- Costco is changing its food court fountain drinks from Pepsi to Coca-Cola. The change reverses a move made in 2013 as the retailer looked to keep the cost of its $1.50 hot dog combo steady.
Costco is shaking up its food-court offerings—at least those in the beverage aisle.
The company has confirmed it will switch its fountain drinks from Pepsi products to Coca-Cola, reversing a decision made 11 years ago.
The move to Pepsi in 2013 was made to protect the $1.50 cost of the company’s well-known (and well-loved) hot dog combo meal. Costco CFO Gary Millerchip, in 2024, assured shoppers and investors that “the $1.50 hot dog price is safe.”
News of the change came during the company’s shareholder meeting last week, after a shareholder asked the company to address rumors it would be switching back to Coke products.
“This summer we will be converting our food-court fountain business back over to Coca-Cola,” CEO Ron Vachris replied.
Costco has bigger concerns than its soda offerings these days, of course. The company is facing a possible strike by 18,000 workers, who say they “won’t work a day past Jan. 31” if their contract demands are not met. (While Costco is known for paying its employees higher wages than its competitors, the Teamsters union accuses it of not sharing its recent success with workers.)
Costco, on an earnings call last month, said it was focused on a “fair and timely process for getting to an agreement with the Teamsters.”
Costco shareholders have also voted to uphold the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, which has earned the company the scorn of DEI opponents and puts its public stance in contrast with that of other consumer brands, including Walmart and McDonald’s.