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Unlocking the secrets of the Costco food court
Costco is not your average grocery store. It’s a shopping destination that offers an array of products at wholesale prices. But there’s one section of the store that has gained a cult-like following: the food court. If you’ve ever visited Costco, chances are you’ve made a pit stop in the food court for a quick and affordable meal. But behind those food court counters lurk some fascinating secrets. From lightning-fast pizza making to hidden menu hacks, let’s dive into the secrets of the Costco food court.
The Pizza Phenomenon
One of the most impressive aspects of the Costco Food Court is the pizza-making process. Despite the long lines, the pizzas are made and baked with incredible speed. In less than 30 seconds, a ball of dough is transformed into a pizza ready to be topped. This is made possible by a dough squisher and a pizza sauce turntable. Once the pizza is sauced and topped with cheese, it enters an ultra-efficient conveyor oven and emerges as a delicious and perfectly baked pie in just six minutes.
Freshness is key
While you might assume that the chicken bakes in the food court are the same as the ones in the freezer, there’s a surprising difference. Food court chicken bakes are made fresh from scratch every day. Former Costco Food Court employees have attested to the superior taste of these freshly made chicken bakes compared to their frozen counterparts. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try making them at home using a recipe shared by a Reddit user.
A Pizza Powerhouse
Costco’s success extends beyond being a wholesale giant. As it turns out, Costco is also one of America’s largest pizza chains. With nearly 500 stores selling slices and whole pies, Costco ranks as the 14th largest pizza chain in the United States. This achievement is even more remarkable when you consider the competition from established pizza chains like Pizza Hut and Domino’s. In fact, Costco outsells its competitors and holds the title for selling the most pizza per location in the country.
No membership required
A common barrier to enjoying the Costco food court is the membership requirement. However, there are a few ways to get around this restriction. If the food court is located outside the store, you can simply pay cash and enjoy your meal without a membership. Even if the food court is inside the store, you can tell the staff that you’re just there to eat and they’ll let you in. Alternatively, you can use a gift card or a clever tactic of expressing interest in joining Costco to gain access to the food court.
Customize your pizza
Costco pizzas are known for their generous toppings, but did you know that you might be able to get some extra toppings if you ask? While it depends on the store and the manager’s discretion, some Costco food court employees have been known to accommodate requests for extra toppings on whole pizzas. It’s always worth asking, as you might get lucky and enjoy an even more indulgent pizza experience.
Hacking the menu
While there may not be an extensive secret menu at the Costco food court, there are some creative ways to enhance your meal with the standard offerings. For example, you can order a pepperoni and sausage pizza even though it’s not listed on the menu. Another hack is to create a chili cheese dog by combining chili with the accompanying cheese. And for dessert, you can create your own ice cream float by combining a vanilla frozen yogurt with a soda of your choice.
Beyond the grease and cheese
It’s no secret that Costco pizzas can be a little greasy, and that’s partly due to the generous use of oil in the pizza-making process. The stretched and sauced pizza dough requires a significant amount of oil, and the cheese toppings add to the overall richness. It may not be the healthiest option, but the indulgence of a Costco pizza is part of its appeal.
The Hot Dog Phenomenon
Perhaps one of the most amazing secrets of the Costco food court is the sheer volume of hot dogs they sell. It’s estimated that Costco sells over 100 million hot dogs in a year, making them a major player in the hot dog industry. In fact, in 2015 alone, Costco sold 128 million hot dogs, surpassing the combined sales of all major league ballparks in the United States. This impressive feat demonstrates the popularity and affordability of their hot dog combo meal.
In conclusion, the Costco Food Court is not just a place to grab a quick bite. It’s a world of intriguing secrets and hidden gems. From the lightning-fast pizza making to the astounding number of hot dogs sold, Costco’s Food Court continues to captivate customers with its affordable prices and delicious offerings. Whether you’re a loyal fan or a curious newcomer, exploring the secrets of the Costco Food Court will add an extra layer of enjoyment to your next visit. So the next time you’re at Costco, take a moment to appreciate the behind-the-scenes magic of the Food Court and indulge in the delicious treats it has to offer.
FAQS
Can I enjoy the Costco Food Court without a membership?
Yes, you can! If the Food Court is located outside the store, you can pay cash and enjoy your meal without a membership. If it’s inside, you can tell the staff that you’re just there to eat and they’ll usually let you in. Alternatively, you can use a gift card or express interest in joining Costco to gain access to the food court.
Are there any secret menu items in the Costco Food Court?
While there may not be an extensive secret menu, there are some creative hacks you can try. For example, you can order a pepperoni and sausage pizza even though it’s not listed on the menu. You can also create a chili cheese dog by combining chili with the cheese that comes with it. And for dessert, you can make your own ice cream float by combining a vanilla frozen yogurt with a soda of your choice.
How do they make Costco pizzas so fast?
Costco pizzas are made with impressive speed using specialized equipment. A dough squisher and pizza sauce turntable turn a ball of dough into a pizza in less than 30 seconds. The pizza is then topped by hand, placed in an ultra-efficient conveyor oven and baked for just six minutes, resulting in a perfectly cooked pie.
What makes the food court chicken bakes superior?
Unlike the frozen Chicken Bakes sold in the store, the Food Court Chicken Bakes are made fresh from scratch every day. This accounts for their superior taste and texture. They are filled with ingredients like pre-cooked chicken breast, bacon bits and pizza cheese, rolled into a tube and baked at high temperatures. It may take a little more effort, but Fresh Chicken Bakes are worth it.
How do Costco’s pizza sales compare to other pizza chains?
Costco is a major player in the pizza world, ranking as the 14th largest pizza chain in the United States. With nearly 500 stores selling slices and whole pies, Costco has consistently outsold its competitors. In fact, they sell more pizza per location than any other major pizza chain in the country, despite not being open late like some of their competitors.
Why are Costco pizzas known for being greasy?
The liberal use of oil in the pizza-making process contributes to the greasiness of Costco pizzas. The stretched and sauced pizza dough requires a significant amount of oil, and the cheese toppings add to the overall greasiness. While the greasiness may not be for everyone, it’s part of the indulgent appeal of Costco’s pizzas.