Costco’s New Food Court Policy Is Posted In Stores As Fans React To The News: ‘No More Freebies!’

The days of non-Costco members enjoying chicken bakes and hot dog combos may soon be a thing of the past. An upcoming food court policy change has sparked a flurry of reactions from loyal members and guests alike; A photo of a sign posted at warehouses across the United States, stating that a membership card will soon be required to make purchases at the food court, has been making rounds on the internet. Find all of the info below.

A Reddit user recently posted a photo of a sign they saw at Costco in Orlando, which stated: “Effective April 8, 2024, an active Costco membership card will be required to purchase items from our food court. You can join today. Please see our membership counter for details.”

This sign has caught the attention of many Costco enthusiasts. While the policy is not entirely new—Costco has always been membership-based—the enforcement of it in the food court has varied across locations. In fact, at most warehouses, it hasn’t been enforced at all.

Costco’s membership structure typically allows only members to shop at stores, while one guest is usually permitted to browse, sample foods, and, oftentimes, enjoy a food court snack. While membership cards are checked at the checkout so that only members can purchase all those great products, the food court has typically been a lenient space where non-members could indulge in Costco’s affordable and tasty offerings without needing a membership card. This leniency seems to be changing as Costco ramps up efforts to enforce membership requirements, not just at store entrances but also at the food court.