The 11 Costco Food Court Flops You Might Have Missed

Vegan Al Pastor Salad

Costco’s Vegan Al Pastor Salad never quite captured the hearts of its patrons. Aiming to offer a plant-based alternative, it featured soy al pastor, romaine lettuce, black beans, olives, and a mix of banh mi vegetables. The unexpected blend of Asian-style vegetables in a Mexican-inspired dish led to confusion and disappointment among customers. While vegans may have appreciated the option, the lack of authentic Mexican flavors left many unimpressed. It was discontinued around 2018, with poor sales being cited as the reason. This salad ultimately failed to meet expectations for both flavor and authenticity.

Roast Beef Sandwich

The Roast Beef Sandwich at Costco received mixed reviews, and its short-lived appearance on the menu was no surprise. Served on a large artisan roll with sliced roast beef, onion relish, lettuce, and a mayo-mustard mixture, the sandwich was criticized for being too dry. At $9.99, it lacked the value Costco is known for, especially when compared to the popular $1.50 hot dog. Customers also felt the sandwich was bland, and it failed to compete with the better options on the menu. Reviews on Reddit confirmed that many were not impressed by the dry texture and lack of flavor. It was eventually pulled from the menu due to poor reception.

Beef Chili

Costco’s Beef Chili, though decent in flavor, became a casualty of a longstanding regional debate. Despite being a popular choice for pairing with hot dogs to make chili dogs, it was discontinued in 2023. The primary issue was the inclusion of beans, which offended traditionalists, particularly those from Texas, where beans in chili are considered a travesty. Outside of Texas, the chili was well-liked, but it could not overcome the controversy. Additionally, it was removed alongside other popular items to streamline the food court menu. The chili’s brief run was marred by its inability to settle the chili debate.

Costco Cheeseburger

The Costco Cheeseburger was an ambitious attempt by the warehouse giant to offer a burger that could rival Shake Shack, but it fell short. Introduced in 2017 and tested in select locations, it was discontinued in 2020 without much explanation. Reviewers compared it unfavorably to the beloved smash burger style, noting that the burger was too heavy and lacked the delicate flavors of its competitors. To make matters worse, the cheeseburger did not come with the expected fries, which was a key part of the fast-food experience. While it had potential, it ultimately failed to meet customer expectations. The cheeseburger was quietly retired, never gaining traction nationwide.

Mango Smoothie

Costco’s Mango Smoothie failed to make a lasting impression, despite a brief test run in the U.S. and Australia. After launching in 2023, it was introduced to locations in Hawaii, Oklahoma, Washington, and California, but reviews were less than favorable. Customers criticized the smoothie for its strange color and off-putting flavor, with one reviewer likening it to “baby food.” Though Costco had hoped it would be a refreshing option for its food court, the mango smoothie received mostly negative feedback. The smoothie will likely be disappearing from menus in these locations soon. It seems customers were not ready to embrace this new fruit option.

Acai Bowl

The Acai Bowl was introduced in 2018 as a healthier option, but it quickly became one of the most disliked items in Costco’s food court history. Despite being marketed as a healthy choice, it was high in sugar, ranging from 30 to 41 grams per bowl, which led to disillusionment among health-conscious shoppers. Its price tag of $4.99 also made it less attractive when compared to the value offered by other items like the chicken bake. Reviews described the flavor as underwhelming, with one Twitter user even saying it tasted like “lush bath bombs and regret.” After a short two-year run, it was discontinued in 2020. The Acai Bowl never gained enough popularity to justify its place on the menu.

BBQ Brisket Sandwich

The BBQ Brisket Sandwich was introduced in 2018 but was discontinued just two years later, a sign that it did not meet the expectations of Costco’s value-driven clientele. Despite having decent reviews during its run, it struggled to compete with the food court’s staples, like the $1.50 hot dog. At $4.99, it was the most expensive menu item at the time, and many felt it was not worth the price. The brisket was flavorful, but the sandwich failed to win over customers who preferred the classic Costco offerings. Its short-lived stint on the menu was likely due to Costco’s preference for items that offer more value to its customers. Eventually, it was quietly removed from the menu.

French Fries

Costco tested French Fries in some U.S. stores in 2018, but the item never made it to the wider menu. While French fries are a staple at Costco food courts in Canada, the American version failed to catch on. The fries were coated with a crispy breading that prevented them from getting soggy, and they were sold for just $1.25, making them an affordable option. However, they were not popular enough to justify a national rollout, and the test market revealed low sales. They were removed from the menu without much fanfare. The lack of widespread success meant that the fries disappeared as quietly as they arrived.

Costco Gelato

Costco’s Gelato was an ambitious dessert that never quite caught on, despite being offered at select U.S. stores. The gelato, sold for just $1.50 for three scoops in a waffle cone, received praise for its flavor, but it never gained the popularity of Costco’s other dessert options like the churro or frozen yogurt. Only available at 16 locations, it was pulled from the menu in 2015 due to poor sales. Despite positive reviews, the gelato failed to generate enough demand to justify its place on the menu. The affordable price point and quality were not enough to overcome the lack of customer interest. It was ultimately discontinued, with customers still remembering it fondly but without the option to purchase it again.

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel

The Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel is one of Costco’s most forgotten flops, disappearing without much notice. It was never as beloved as other items in the food court, and its discontinuation in the early 2000s went largely unnoticed. Despite its sweet and salty appeal, it was overshadowed by the more popular churro, which replaced it in the food court. There is no clear reason for its disappearance, but some suggest it simply could not compete with the churro’s staying power. Its demise has left little trace in Costco’s history, with no fanfare or major public outcry. In the end, the pretzel was replaced and mostly forgotten.

Carne Asada Bake

The Carne Asada Bake, introduced in 2010 as a follow-up to the wildly popular chicken bake, did not have the same success. Despite being a hearty dish, it received poor reviews, with many finding it bland and unappealing. The bake was criticized for its lack of flavor and the unusual combination of ingredients, which included warm pico de gallo and guacamole, a combination that did not sit well with customers. After a brief trial period, it was discontinued in 2012 to make room for other menu items. The bake’s failure can be attributed to its lack of appeal compared to its predecessor. Ultimately, Costco learned that the carne asada bake was not a recipe for success.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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