Costco has stirred quite the uproar among its members by announcing the removal of the beloved Polish hot dog from its food court menu. The $1.50 Polish dog and soda combo has been a staple for shoppers looking to ease the pain of their hefty grocery bills, and now, many are expressing their dismay over this unexpected decision. Just when it seemed like 2018 couldn’t throw any more curveballs, this news feels like the proverbial last straw.
The Polish dog has been a comforting fixture for many, especially after splurging on a cart full of essentials like diapers and Tide pods. As if that weren’t enough, the food court—often seen as the ultimate emotional refuge—will also undergo several other menu changes. Customers can expect the introduction of healthier and vegetarian options, including an organic cheeseburger and an açai fruit bowl, but the outrage is palpable.
In fact, Costco CEO Jake Thompson admitted at a recent shareholder meeting that he couldn’t muster much enthusiasm for the new plant-based protein salad. “This new plant-based protein salad, I know that excites you,” he stated. “But it is healthy. And, uh, actually, it tastes pretty good, if you like those kind of things. I tried it once.” Clearly, the internet is not in the mood for vegan alternatives—they want their Polish sausage back.
On the bright side, the iconic all-beef hot dog and soda deal isn’t going anywhere. This combo, which has remained priced at $1.50 since 1983, is considered a cornerstone of Costco’s appeal. Co-founder Jim Sinegal famously said a decade ago, “We’re known for that hot dog. That’s something you don’t mess with.” And he even quipped that raising the price would mean “that I’m dead.”
Though Sinegal has since stepped down from the Board of Directors, the dog-and-soda combo continues to attract customers, not as a loss leader but because it’s made in-house at a California facility. The goal is to create a unique shopping experience that keeps patrons coming back for more.
While we may mourn the Polish dog, let’s hope the pizza deal stays intact, or we might just find ourselves exploring other options, including the ones discussed in our previous post about home insemination kits. For more information on this topic, you can check out the insights provided by this resource as well as the handy resource available at this link.
In summary, Costco’s decision to cut the Polish hot dog has sparked a wave of disappointment among fans, but the classic hot dog and soda combo remains safe for now. As we navigate these changes, it’s clear that some traditions are worth keeping, especially when they have been part of the experience for decades.