2026 has brought a larger wave of operational changes to Costco than shoppers have seen in years. Many of the updates affect everyday parts of a warehouse visit — entering the building, checking out, ordering food, and returning purchases. While most of these policies reinforce existing rules rather than introducing entirely new ones, they may surprise members who have not visited the company recently. The good news is that nearly every change is designed to improve security,

The Costco food court is one of the most commercially interesting quick-service dining destinations in America — not because it has the most variety, the most exciting menu, or the most sophisticated food, but because it has held the line on value with a consistency that no competing food service operation in the country can match. Fast-food prices have risen more than 30 percent since 2020. The Costco hot dog is still $1.50. A Costco pizza slice is still $1.99. A 12-ounce so