Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club are not just about bulk groceries and discounted appliances; their food courts have become destinations in their own right. Offering affordable and tasty meals, these food courts provide a quick and convenient option for shoppers. Both Costco and Sam’s Club boast beloved food courts, but subtle yet significant differences exist. If you’re trying to decide which warehouse club offers a superior food court experience, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of Costco vs Sam’s Club food court offerings to help you determine your personal champion.
The Food
Both Costco and Sam’s Club food courts serve up familiar favorites like soft-serve ice cream, pizza, and hot dogs. However, each also features unique, signature items. Costco is famous for its Chicken Bake, a savory pastry pocket filled with chicken, cheese, Caesar dressing, and bacon, offering a unique, handheld meal. Other Costco exclusives include the Chicken & Bacon Sandwich and the Rotisserie Chicken Caesar Salad, providing heartier options. And for dessert lovers, the Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie at Costco is a must-try.
When it comes to pizza, Costco keeps it simple with cheese and pepperoni options. Sam’s Club, on the other hand, offers a bit more variety in their “Café,” including pepperoni, cheese, and a “four-meat” pizza loaded with pepperoni, ham, Italian sausage, and bacon for meat lovers. Sam’s Club also stands out with its soft pretzels, available with salt or cinnamon sugar, and the Pizza Pretzel, topped with cheese and pepperoni and served with marinara sauce for dipping, creating a fun and shareable snack.
The Beverages
Thirsty shoppers can find fountain drinks at both Sam’s Club and Costco. Costco exclusively offers Pepsi products, a change made in 2013. Beyond soda, Costco provides more substantial beverage options, including their popular Berry Smoothie and two frozen coffee choices: the Cold Brew Mocha Freeze and the Cold Brew Latte Freeze, perfect for a caffeinated treat.
Sam’s Club, while not offering smoothies or frozen coffees, does feature Icee drinks, a frozen, flavored slushie that you won’t find at Costco. This gives Sam’s Club a unique offering in the frozen beverage category, especially appealing on warmer days.
The Prices
Price is a major draw for warehouse club food courts, and both Costco and Sam’s Club deliver incredible value. The hot dog and soda combo deals are iconic and heavily scrutinized for price changes. Costco’s hot dog and 20-ounce soda combo is famously priced at $1.50, a price maintained since 1985, a testament to their commitment to value.
Sam’s Club undercuts Costco slightly, offering their hot dog and a larger 30-ounce soda combo for $1.38. This slight price difference can be a deciding factor for budget-conscious shoppers.
Looking beyond hot dogs, ice cream sundaes also show a price difference. A soft-serve sundae at Costco is $2.49, while Sam’s Club’s Brownie or Triple Berry Sundaes are significantly cheaper at $1.58. For pizza, a whole 18-inch pie at Costco costs $9.95, and a slightly smaller 16-inch pie at Sam’s Club is $8.98. However, a single slice of pizza is nearly identical in price at both, around $1.99 at Costco and $1.98 at Sam’s Club.
Ordering Options
Both Costco and Sam’s Club offer traditional in-person ordering at the food court counter. To streamline the process, Costco has implemented self-serve kiosks, which were initially tested in 2018 and became more widespread in 2020. Recent reports suggest some Costco locations are now requiring kiosk ordering and receipt checks before order pickup, potentially adding an extra step to the process.
Sam’s Club provides a more digitally integrated ordering experience through their mobile app. Customers can order and pay within the Sam’s Club app and then pick up their food from a designated Scan & Go pickup area, offering a potentially faster and more convenient option, especially for tech-savvy shoppers.
Membership Requirements
Membership requirements are a key differentiator. Costco has begun enforcing membership checks at their food courts, particularly at outdoor locations, starting in April 2024. This change was implemented to address overcrowding and member complaints, especially at busy locations near offices or construction sites. While indoor food courts typically already required membership for entry, this is a notable policy shift for outdoor locations.
In contrast, Sam’s Club does not require membership to eat at their food court. This makes Sam’s Club food court accessible to a wider range of customers, even those without a membership, offering a significant advantage in terms of accessibility and convenience for non-members looking for a quick and affordable meal.
Conclusion
Choosing between Costco vs. Sam’s Club food court ultimately depends on your priorities. Costco offers iconic items like the Chicken Bake and frozen coffee drinks, while Sam’s Club boasts lower prices on combos and sundaes, unique pretzels, and easier access for non-members. Consider your taste preferences, budget, desired convenience in ordering, and membership status to decide which warehouse club food court best suits your needs. Both offer great value and tasty options, making either a solid choice for a quick and affordable meal while you shop.
