CHICAGO — Costco shoppers are furious over what many are calling a “stupid” change to the store’s beloved food court — and it’s causing chaos, long waits, and even more frustration than expected.
The retail giant has quietly implemented a new system where employees no longer call out order numbers, leaving customers confused, clustered in crowds, and unsure when their food is ready.
No More Order Numbers — Just Confusion
One customer vented online that their local Costco had recently stopped announcing orders, creating a crowd of people waiting aimlessly for their food.
“Eventually somebody saw this tiny sign that said they’re not calling out numbers anymore,” the shopper wrote. “People formed a rough line, which grew quickly while they very slowly got out one order at a time. It was not great and not efficient.”
On social media, others piled on, describing wait times of 10 minutes or more just for a hot dog and soda — an experience that used to be quick and seamless.
“Even Worse Than We Thought”
Another user on Reddit explained that Costco won’t even begin preparing food until a customer walks up and shows their receipt — meaning orders sit unmade while people wait in line.
“This new scheme is slow and stupid,” one angry post read. “Change it back!”
What made it worse for some is that staff often didn’t even glance at the receipts, despite the policy requiring customers to show one.
“This is on them, not us,” one shopper added. “The solution shouldn’t be to make life harder for customers!”
Why Did Costco Make the Change?
According to a shopper from Denver, the rule was introduced to prevent food theft — after people allegedly began taking other customers’ meals from the pickup area.
But for regular Costco members, that explanation isn’t cutting it.
“Almost every time I go to Costco, I order food on the way out… and they barely look at the receipt anyway,” a commenter noted.
The backlash follows other recent changes by Costco that have stirred controversy — including new ID checks and membership scanning machines at the entrance.
Are you a Costco member frustrated with their new food court system? Share your experience with us in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com. Your voice helps hold companies accountable for changes that affect everyday families.
