Costco has begun a quiet trial of a new menu addition in the Midwest, introducing Costco food court chicken strips to six warehouses in the Chicago area. The limited-time test suggests a potential shift in the company’s menu rotation, as the new offering is positioned as a possible replacement for the current calzone.
The introduction of the chicken strips marks the first time the item has been offered within the United States, although it has long been a staple in several of the company’s international food courts. For members in the Chicago test markets, the move represents a significant change to a menu known for its rigid consistency and value-driven pricing.
The new meal is priced at $6.99 and consists of five baked—not fried—chicken strips served with a sweet honey mustard dipping sauce. While the price remains competitive with other warehouse membership perks, the nutritional profile is substantial; reports indicate the meal contains approximately 1,640 calories per serving.
A Strategic Menu Shake-Up
Costco’s food court operates as a critical component of its member retention strategy, often utilizing low-cost, high-volume items to drive foot traffic. The potential removal of the calzone to make room for chicken strips follows a historical pattern where the company rotates offerings to maintain interest while managing operational costs.
The decision to test in Chicago allows the Issaquah-based wholesaler to gauge demand and operational efficiency before committing to a wider rollout. By monitoring sales data and member feedback in a concentrated urban market, the company can determine if the baked strips can match the popularity of previous food court staples.
This menu evolution comes at a time when the company is balancing the need for member value against rising food costs. The transition from a calzone to chicken strips may offer better margins or a more streamlined preparation process for warehouse employees.
| Item | Price | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Strips (Test) | $6.99 | 5 pieces, baked, honey mustard |
| Hot Dog Combo | $1.50 | Now includes bottled water option |
| Calzone | Varies | Potential item for replacement |
Updates to the Iconic Hot Dog Combo
The chicken strip trial is not the only recent change to the food court. The company has also introduced a subtle tweak to its legendary $1.50 hot dog combo, a price point that has remained unchanged for four decades. While the cost of the deal remains frozen, the drink options have expanded.
Members can now opt for a 16.9-ounce bottle of Kirkland Signature water as part of the combo. This addition provides a more portable alternative to the traditional soda fountain drink, reflecting a broader consumer shift toward healthier beverage options.
The water option has already begun appearing at checkout in warehouses across California, Nevada, and Virginia. It remains unclear exactly when this updated combo will be available across all U.S. Locations, but the rollout appears to be progressing steadily through several key states.
Impact on Member Experience
For the average shopper, these changes represent a modernization of the Costco business model. By introducing items like baked chicken strips and bottled water, the company is adapting to current dietary preferences without sacrificing the “treasure hunt” atmosphere of the warehouse.
The high calorie count of the new chicken strips—reported at 1,640 calories—highlights the “filling” nature of the meal, which is a key selling point for members looking for a quick, substantial meal before or after a bulk shopping trip.
Industry observers note that Costco rarely makes permanent changes to its food court without extensive testing. The Chicago trial serves as a litmus test for whether the U.S. Market will embrace the chicken strips with the same enthusiasm seen in international warehouses.
Whether the calzone will officially disappear remains unconfirmed, but the presence of a direct replacement in test markets often signals a transition. Members are encouraged to check their local food court menus, as regional variations are common during these testing phases.
The next confirmed checkpoint for these changes will be the company’s quarterly operational updates, where shifts in member services and warehouse offerings are typically reflected. Further announcements regarding a national rollout of the chicken strips are expected if the Chicago trial meets internal sales targets.
We want to hear from you. Do you prefer the calzone or are you excited for the chicken strips? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
