How to Order Online at Costco Food Court 2024?
Costco food court menu offers a lot of tasty treats, including delicious food items such as hot dog combos and cheesy pizza. Unfortunately, you can’t adopt the Costco online order because you must be physically present at the food court to grab your favorite item. However, you can book your order by calling the Costco local warehouse (your nearest Costco store) and getting there to pick it up. As time is money, this will save you money! It may surprise you that Costco now requires a membership card to use their food court since April 2024.
Are you feeling confused? Don’t worry; I’m here to explain all the details and show you how you can still enjoy your favorite Costco special chicken bake or any other food item without any hurdles. So, let’s explore the easiest ways how to order Costco food items online, including some new excellent options that will help you get your food quicker and more convenient ever!
How to Order Online?
As of now, Costco does not offer the options of online orders (via any app or website) and home delivery. However, you can enjoy the food court by visiting in person or calling your local Costco store to book your order, such as a whole pizza. After that, you can pick up your Costco online order at your convenience and enjoy your meal.
Costco provides a kiosk digital ordering system at some locations that conveniently lets you grab your favorite food, such as Costco chicken bake or hot dog combo. This direct approach ensures that everything you order is fresh and ready to eat.
According to surveys, approximately 70% of Costco Food Court orders are made in person, while the remaining 30% are made through phone calls.
Does Costco allow to order via delivery Apps?
Costco does not partner with third-party services such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, or any other Costco online order facility. In short, if you want to eat Costco food items, you must visit the Costco food court. However, when it comes to grocery shopping, Costco enables online shopping options through third-party companies like Instacart.
Costco tries very hard to keep the prices affordable of Costco Food Court by excluding the home delivery services that add extra charges. Do you know how much Costco’s pizza costs you at the food court? Let me tell you. It costs you around $9.99, but remember, when Costco brings it to your doorstep, it will cost you around $11 to $12, which might be out of your budget!
When Costco online orders will be available?
Despite the current lack of delivery for food court items, many food experts predict a potential shift in this policy by 2025, considering the consumer demand for greater convenience. This prediction is based on;
Consumer Demand
There is a huge demand for technology and convenience in the fast-food industry. Most consumers now want to have their favorite fast food at their doorstep, and it’s now easier due to the recent progress in the world of technology.
Industry Trends
Many other food service providers have successfully introduced online ordering and delivery. As these trends continue, Costco may feel the pressure to adapt the Costco online order system to stay competitive in the market.
Importance of Costco Membership
Costco now requires you to be a member of the food court to have the $1.50 hot dog combo and Kirkland Signature chicken bake, a change that started in April 2024. Previously, there were no barriers or limitations for the customers; that case is no longer now. You might think, why this change? The simple answer is that the membership subscription alone has earned $4.5 billion for the Costco food court which is 20% more than 2022!
Another reason is that Costco wants to maintain its food court area as a premium slot for its loyal customers by managing the crowds. Costco ensures exclusive benefits are reserved for those who contribute to the revenue.
The membership benefits are not only limited to the Costco food court menu items but also easy discounts on groceries and electronics items within the Costco stores. Costco membership is all about enjoying various benefits that make every visit worthwhile.
How to get your order fast?
Costco Food Court is popular for offering tasty fast-food items such as smoothies, whole pizza, and the most wanted, $1.50 hot dog combo. The downside is that Costco does not offer online food ordering, but you can still use some strategies to save time and avoid long lines. These strategies will help you prepare your food faster and more conveniently.
Pre-Order on Call
One of the easiest ways to pre-order your food is by calling your local Costco store ahead. This will be particularly helpful if you plan to buy something large, like a whole pizza, that requires some extra time to prepare. Calling in advance, you can place your Costco online order via call and then pick it up once you shop. To use this facility, you have to find the number of your local Costco store through the Costco Store Locator, and your food will be a phone call away!
You can find the number of your nearest Costco store wherever you live; for example, there are more than 8 Costco stores alone in New York, so you have to locate your nearest one on the map for more convenience. But if you live in Los Angeles, you can call (310) 754-2000 to confirm the order that your stomach demands.
After making the order on the call, go to the Costco food court and head to the kiosk order management system. Select the items you ordered; the option will appear if you order on the call and then select “yes”. Finally, the wait is over; go to the counter to pick up your order.
Use Kiosk System
Most Costco food courts now offer the kiosk food ordering system, which allows you to use the digital screens and select your favorite food items by just tapping on the screens as a “self-service”. Isn’t it easy peasy? The Costco online order system requires digital payment via credit card. This process will speed up your overall experience at Costco. After confirming your order, Costco will allocate a ticket number and that ticket number for pick up, deciding when your stomach will enjoy the food!
Combine Checkout
Another useful strategy is that you can pay your invoice only once when you check at the counter for groceries. This method will help you avoid waiting in line twice, once for groceries and once for food. After payment, you can present your payment receipt to the Costco food court counter for verification. This combined approach enhances your overall shopping experience at Costco and saves you both time and effort.
Use Off-Peak Hours
Timing your visit to the Costco food court can greatly affect how long you have to wait. Peak hours, especially at lunchtime when you have plans to try the Costco lunch menu or weekends, are usually the busiest hours. To avoid long lines and wait, try visiting the food court in off-peak hours, such as early morning or mid-afternoon, when it is generally less crowded. This strategy allows you to enjoy your food in a less messy area. The Costco timings for the food court are here;
Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
These hours can vary by location, so it’s always recommended to check your local Costco store’s opening and closing hours before heading toward the store.
By executing these tricks, you can make your Costco experience more productive and enjoyable. Whether you are single or having an outing with the family, Costco’s pickup option will enhance the food’s deliciousness by offering a twist to your taste buds because of quick service.
Costco In-Store Orders vs Phone Orders
If you are confused between in-store orders and phone orders, then the below comparison will remove your confusion as it can help you decide which one is better for you.
| Aspect | In-Store Orders | Phone Orders |
|---|---|---|
| Order Process | You have to visit in-person | Place your order on a phone call |
| Time to Order | May take 5-15 minutes | May take 2-5 minutes |
| Waiting Time | Wait while your order is prepared | Ready for pickup |
| Convenience | You may wait in a line | No need to visit until pickup |
| Order Accuracy | Immediate confirmation and correction | Depends on clear communication |
| Payment | Pay on the spot | Need to pay in-person at pickup |
| Special Requests | Easy to make requests | Difficult to communicate requests |
| Interaction | Direct interaction | Limited due to phone restrictions |
| Order Changes | Easy to modify | Need to make follow-up calls |
| Menu Visibility | Full | Limited |
| Pickup Process | Immediate after payment | Usually coordinated to minimize waiting. |
| Freshness | Fully Fresh | Pre-pared but usually fresh |
| Saving Time | You may face crowd | Saving time by avoiding in-store waits |
| Crowds | Heavy crowds during peak hours | Avoid crowds |
| Delays | Delays can occur due to long lines | Less delays |
Final Words
While Costco Food Court doesn’t offer online order and delivery options, you can still make a phone call to confirm your order and pick it up later at your convenience. This phone ordering system saves you from heavy crowds even in peak hours and this facility makes Costco’s order process smoother and quicker.
As Costco aims to compete with the market trends, you may see an online order system soon. But for now, visiting the Costco food court remains the best way to enjoy your meals and Mocha/Latte freeze drinks.