Costco Food Court Shake-Up: Calzone Out, 1,640-Calorie Chicken Strips In
Costco is quietly testing a new food court item that could spell the end for one of its most controversial menu offerings. The wholesale giant has introduced baked chicken strips at six locations in the Chicago area, and early signs suggest the item is being positioned as a direct replacement for the calzone.
According to Costco Insider, the chicken strips debuted on May 4 and are currently available only in the Chicago market. The meal costs $6.99 and includes five breaded chicken breast strips served with a sweet honey mustard dipping sauce. The strips are baked, not fried, a distinction that may appeal to health-conscious shoppers—though the calorie count tells a different story.
Each serving contains 1,640 calories, according to reports from Delish.com, a figure that has ignited debate among Costco devotees. The Takeout described the strips as "absolutely enormous," noting that the entire serving, including the sauce tub, is "physically heavy."
Why Chicago? The Windy City as a Test Market
Costco has long used select markets to test new menu items before rolling them out nationally. Chicago, with its dense population and diverse food culture, has become a frequent launching pad for food court experiments. The six locations now serving the chicken strips offer Costco a controlled environment to gauge customer response, operational efficiency, and supply chain logistics before committing to a nationwide launch.
A representative from Costco has not yet announced a timeline for broader expansion, but industry observers note that the company typically moves quickly once a test proves successful. The current test follows a pattern similar to the rollout of other recent menu changes, including new sundae flavors and the now-famous hot dog deal tweak.
The Stakes: Calzone Never Fully Won Over Fans
The calzone has had a rocky tenure at Costco. It was introduced several years ago as a replacement for the beloved combo pizza slice, a move that angered a dedicated fan base. Many shoppers never fully embraced the calzone, according to Delish.com, and its removal has been rumored for months.
Costco Insider first reported the impending swap, writing on Instagram that "the meal is extremely filling, and we have heard it tastes great too." The independent website has a track record of accurately predicting Costco menu changes, lending credibility to the report.
A History of Menu Changes at Costco
Costco's food court has seen significant turnover in recent years. The chain has introduced two hearty meat-topped salads, experimented with new sundae flavors, and swapped its fountain drink supplier. Last month, the company altered its legendary $1.50 hot dog combo deal for the first time in 40 years, adding a 16.9-ounce bottle of Kirkland Signature water as a drink option. The water has already appeared at locations in California, Nevada, and Virginia.
These changes reflect Costco's broader strategy to keep its food court relevant and profitable. The menu generates billions in annual revenue, and even small tweaks can have outsized financial impact. The chicken strips, priced at $6.99, represent a significant premium over traditional staples like the $1.50 hot dog or the $4.99 pizza slice, suggesting Costco is testing the waters for a higher-margin item.
Perspective: What the Chicken Strips Say About Fast-Food Trends
The introduction of chicken strips is not an isolated move. Across the fast-food industry, chicken has been the growth category of choice. Chains like Chick-fil-A, Popeyes, and KFC have seen sustained demand for chicken tenders and sandwiches, and Costco appears eager to capitalize on that trend.
Calorie Count Sparks Debate Among Shoppers
At 1,640 calories, the new chicken strips exceed the recommended daily intake for many adults in a single meal. Nutritionists have raised concerns, but Costco shoppers have historically prioritized value and taste over dietary restrictions. The calorie count has split opinion online, with some fans calling it excessive and others applauding the generous portion size.
Comparisons to the calzone are inevitable. The calzone, while not known for being health food, contained fewer calories per serving. The new item also costs more: at $6.99, it is roughly $2 more than the calzone, though the portion size is larger.
Broader Implications for Costco’s Menu Strategy
If the chicken strips succeed in Chicago, Costco could fast-track a national rollout. The move would further distance the chain from its pizza-centric past and align it with current consumer preferences for portable, protein-heavy items. The baked preparation also allows Costco to market the strips as a “lighter” alternative to fried fast food, even if the calorie count suggests otherwise.
The timing is notable. As inflation continues to squeeze household budgets, Costco’s food court remains a destination for bargain hunters. The $1.50 hot dog deal is a loss leader that drives foot traffic, but items like the chicken strips offer higher margins. If the test proves successful, shoppers nationwide could see the new item on menus by late 2026 or early 2027.
What’s Next: National Rollout Uncertain, but Chicago Leads the Way
For now, the chicken strips remain a Chicago exclusive. The test period is expected to last several weeks, during which Costco will collect sales data and customer feedback. A decision on national expansion has not been announced.
How to Get the Chicken Strips in Chicago
Shoppers in the Chicago area can find the chicken strips at the six designated test locations. The items are listed on in-store menu boards, and early adopters have taken to social media to share photos and reviews. The reception has been mostly positive, with most complaints centering on the calorie count rather than the taste or quality.
In the meantime, Costco’s food court continues to evolve. The calzone’s departure marks the end of a short-lived era, but the chicken strips could herald a new chapter—one defined by bigger portions, higher prices, and a focus on chicken.
Other Recent Costco Food Court Innovations
Beyond the chicken strips and hot dog water upgrade, Costco has rolled out limited-time offerings like chocolate and vanilla sundaes with new toppings, as well as salads topped with brisket or chicken. These items reflect a broader push to diversify the menu beyond traditional pizza and hot dogs.
For more on local Chicago developments, read about Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to Meet Pope Leo XIV at Vatican This Month. In sports news, Tanner Scott Dominates as Dodgers Closer After Diaz Injury Opens Door.
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