Costco’s food courts offer a range of food and beverage options beloved by shoppers for their taste, value, and convenience. From the classic $1.50 hot dog combos to the larger $9.95 whole pizzas, Costco’s food court menu has long been a hit among members. However, recent reports suggest that one iconic food court item may be facing some quality issues.
A disgruntled Costco fan took to Reddit to express disappointment over the apparent downsizing of the popular Chicken Bakes. Described as a cross between a souped-up Hot Pocket and a sandwich, the Chicken Bakes feature chicken, cheese, Caesar dressing, and bacon encased in a crispy crust. The Redditor lamented that the current Chicken Bakes are noticeably smaller, stating, “Got a Chicken Bake and it’s absolutely a shell of its former glory. Same length as they used to be but seems like 30% skinnier.”
This discontent with the revised Chicken Bakes is not a standalone sentiment. Customers have been voicing their dissatisfaction with the updated version for years, claiming that the newer iteration is smaller, less generously filled, and ultimately less satisfying than the original offering. The recent Reddit complaint has reignited a wave of criticism against the allegedly diminished Chicken Bakes, garnering over 100 comments from similarly disappointed shoppers.
Several customers have observed a significant reduction in size, with one remarking that the Chicken Bakes are “far smaller than they were five years back.” Comparisons to items like “taquitos” and “eggrolls” in terms of size have been made, highlighting the perceived diminishment of the once-beloved food court staple.
While some members have reported no noticeable changes to the size of the Chicken Bakes at their local Costco locations, the frequency and consistency of complaints regarding the downsized portions suggest a broader issue. Speculation among shoppers points to potential mishandling of the product after removal from the freezer, leading to insufficient thawing or rising and resulting in the smaller appearance.
The shrinking Chicken Bakes are not the only source of discontent among Costco patrons. Complaints have also surfaced regarding the quality of the retailer’s ribeye steak, with shoppers noting its tough texture, lack of marbling, and perceived decline in overall quality compared to previous offerings.
Despite the varying experiences reported by customers across different locations, the collective dissatisfaction with the Chicken Bakes and other Costco food court items underscores a growing concern about potential changes in product quality and portion sizes. As shoppers continue to voice their grievances online and in-store, Costco may face mounting pressure to address these concerns and uphold the standards that have endeared its food court offerings to members for years.
