Costco’s food court has long been a haven for cheap eats and loyal fans—but even die-hard devotees are ready for some updates.
We spoke with food entrepreneurs, marketers, and shoppers to hear what they’d love to see on the menu next.
From nostalgic pasta to forward-thinking plant-based options, these five additions would bring comfort, convenience, and inclusivity to an already iconic lineup.
Gluten-Free Pizza
I think adding a gluten-free pizza, even a simple personal-sized one, would be a game changer.
So many people are either gluten-free by necessity or by choice now, and Costco’s already great at offering GF grocery items.
It just feels like a natural next step.
I’ve even tried bringing in my own gluten-free wrap to put a hot dog in (yes, I’ve done it), but pizza is the one thing that’s hard to hack.
Bitty Louk, CEO, No Dash of Gluten
Spaghetti With Meat Sauce
Spaghetti with meat sauce would be deeply satisfying.
Nothing fancy, just that cafeteria-style, slightly sweet tomato flavor with soft noodles and a dense, uniform scoop of ground meat.
It belongs in a white paper bowl with a plastic fork and red pepper packets sliding off the side.
The nostalgia hits instantly. It is an inexpensive comfort encoded in memory.
You taste it, and suddenly every mall food court in your life starts overlapping.
In an environment full of industrial deals and surplus bargains, one scoop of spaghetti turns into a quiet emotional trigger that leaves you feeling full in more ways than one.
Danilo Miranda, Managing Director, Presenteverso
Roast Beef Wrap
A roast beef wrap with mashed potatoes, gravy, and crispy onions sealed in a flour tortilla needs to be on that tray.
Everything inside holds its shape. You can eat it with one hand while the other grips a steering wheel, trolley, or toddler. It is engineered for movement.
It’s comfort food without the fork. When you bite into it, your brain registers a holiday dinner in five seconds.
In my option, the food court wins when it stops pretending customers have time.
James McNally, Managing Director, SDVH [Self Drive Vehicle Hire]
Pierogies
Costco’s food court is awesome, but one item I’d love to see added is a pierogi.
Think about it: those warm, doughy pockets filled with potato and cheese (my favorite) would be the perfect comfort food addition.
They’re hearty, affordable, and could be served with sour cream or sautéed onions.
It fits right in with Costco’s value-driven, crowd-pleasing vibe.
Jeff Michael, Ecommerce Business Owner, Supplement Warehouse
Plant-Based Burger
Costco’s food court is popular for its affordable hot dogs, pizza, and ice cream, but introducing a gourmet plant-based burger could enhance its menu and attract a wider customer base.
As consumer preferences shift toward healthier and sustainable options, this addition aligns with the growing vegan and vegetarian market, which saw a 27% sales increase in 2020.
Offering such a burger would highlight Costco’s commitment to being a forward-thinking retailer.
Mohammed Kamal, Business Development Manager, Olavivo
That’s a Wrap
Whether it’s driven by nostalgia, dietary needs, or evolving food trends, Costco’s shoppers know what they want—and they’re ready for the food court to catch up.
These five ideas aren’t just tasty—they reflect a deeper hunger for convenience, comfort, and inclusivity in one of retail’s most beloved dining spots.
What new addition do you want to see at Costco’s food court?
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