Costco is Bringing Back Free Samples and Indoor Dining

Costco is obviously known for its ability to deliver wholesale quantities of just about anything at low prices that make it affordable to buy a year's worth of Oreos in one trip. They're also known for being able to work in a free meal while shopping because of the insane amount of free samples scattered around the store, as well as the awesome hot dogs they have at their food court.

At the beginning of the pandemic, Costco closed down the food court, offering only pizza and hot dogs for carry-out only, and suspended all samples in the store.

As summer of 2020 progressed, the store slowly added popular menu items back to their carry-out menu. They also started to slowly resume samples in the form of individually packaged items, but not to the level that it was.

"It's going to take some time," Costco's Chief Financial Officer Richard Galanti told CNN "The food courts work. They're one of the things we're known for. We're pleased that they're coming back."

Where local regulations allow, seating in the Costco food courts will be allowed for members.

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For the samples, the stations will have a plexiglass barrier added to the tables to protect employees and customers.

Galanti said the first items on the docket are breakfast sandwiches, noodle dishes, and meatballs.

Read more at Delish