The internet is freaking out over the first change to Costco’s famed $1.50 hot dog combo in 40 years.
It’s been one of the most reliable meals in retail, drawing Costco customers in for decades to enjoy a hot dog and refreshing soda after a long day of shopping. However, there’s no need to panic over the change.
This is what you need to know:
New Drink Option
Costco has debuted a hot dog and bottled water combo instead of the classic hot dog and soda option. Both are still $1.50.
Costco members now have the choice between the traditional 20-ounce refillable fountain soda or a 16.9-ounce bottle of Kirkland Signature water.
The hot dog has not changed. It’s still the quarter-pound, all-beef staple shoppers have come to love on a soft bun, along with an assortment of condiments at the food court.
While the move may seem minor, providing a new alternative for a meal that has been untouched for decades is big news for Costco members.
The Appeal
There are a few reasons why the new water and hot dog combo appeals to shoppers.
For those shoppers who eat first and shop after, the water bottle provides a resealable option while shopping for the best deals. As for preference and healthy options, water is perfect for those who don’t drink soda or want to enjoy a lower-sugar option with their meal.
The meal change has prompted mixed reactions among Costco shoppers.
Some enjoy the new option, claiming it makes the combo more convenient and better suited to their preferences.
However, there are some that argue that the traditional fountain soda option provides more value, as you can refill the cup and get a larger size to begin with.
Either way, you can order a $1.50 hot dog combo either way and enjoy every bite and sip.
Keeping the $1.50 Price Tag
All the excitement is not just about the new water bottle hog dog combo. The hot dog combo at Costco has always been iconic due to its price. The $1.50 price tag has stayed the same since its introduction in 1984.
Former Costco CEO Walter Craig Jelinek once told media outlets that he recalled Costco co-founder Jim Sinegal telling him if he raised the price of the hot dog combo, “I will kill you.”
Last month, the current CEO, Ron Vachris, joined in on the price conversation and the fast-food buzz surrounding McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski.
When Kempczinksi took a tiny bit of his company’s new burger, several food chains joined in the conversation, with many CEOs taking large bites of their food.
Vachris was one of them, taking a large bite and saying, “$1.50? For this hot dog? The hot dog price will not change as long as I’m around.”
The video garnered lots of support from Costco fans, earning over 800,000 likes on Instagram.
Get the Hot Dog Combo
If you want to try out the new $1.50 hot dog combo, you’ll need a Costco membership to enjoy it.
While the food court used to be accessible without one, most locations now require an active membership to purchase any food from the food court.
So, consider a Costco membership, and join the masses of shopper heading to their local wholesaler for a water and hot dog combo.
1 Comment
I think it is a great decisions! It is a great treat to many members who effectively paid the rite for the benefit!