If you’re a fan of Costco’s iconic hot dogs, there’s some exciting news: Costco has reintroduced the beloved onion crank at select locations. This small but impactful change has already stirred up excitement among shoppers, who missed the classic condiment dispenser that disappeared from food courts during the pandemic.
In this article, we’ll break down the onion crank’s return, reactions from Costco fans, and other recent changes at Costco food courts that might improve your next visit.
The Return of Costco’s Onion Crank
Costco first removed the self-serve onion crank in 2020 due to pandemic-related health concerns. Since then, many locations have shifted to small, pre-filled cups of onions, but for many members, this was no substitute. Recently, Costco members on Reddit spotted the long-lost onion crank quietly returning to at least one location.
One Costco shopper from Riverton, Utah, posted a photo of the onion grinder to Reddit with the caption, “The onion grinder is back!” and quickly caught the attention of other Costco fans. In the photo, an image with a quote from the animated movie How to Train Your Dragon 2 adds a fun, nostalgic touch: “You’re as beautiful as the day I lost you.”
This nostalgic post captured the sentiments of many Costco shoppers who missed the hands-on experience of adding as many onions as they like to their food court hot dogs.
Reddit Reactions to the Onion Grinder’s Return
The Reddit community reacted quickly, with hot dog fans and Costco regulars sharing their thoughts on the long-awaited return of the onion crank.
One user who recently visited the Riverton location commented, “Small world… I just ate a hotdog there two days ago and marveled at the return of the onion grinder.”
Another commented, “Nature is healing,” in a lighthearted nod to how some customers feel about the return of pre-pandemic amenities. Others chimed in with the hope that the onion crank’s return would eventually become company-wide.
Some Redditors also vented about their food courts still using onion cups. “Lucky! My Costco is moving backward…. I could get a full, small container of onions for the last couple of years. For the last few visits, it’s been like ten pieces of onion in each cup,” one user lamented.
Another member shared, “My location just has cups of onion that are rarely stocked ,” suggesting that the limited supply of onion cups at specific locations adds to the frustration.
Why the Onion Crank Means So Much to Fans
You might wonder why such a simple onion crank matters to Costco shoppers. The answer lies in the unique Costco food court experience. The self-serve condiments, especially the onion crank, allowed customers to customize their hot dogs and other snacks to their taste, adding fun and personalization.
Before the pandemic, the onion crank was a food court fixture that brought a touch of nostalgia. Members could adjust their topping portions, which many found to be a perk of dining at Costco. And while onion cups did their best to fill the gap, fans claim they’re not the same.
For now, Costco has not confirmed the nationwide return of the onion crank, so fans are advised to stay vigilant during their food court visits.
Other Recent Changes at Costco’s Food Court: New Pizza Pickup System
In addition to the return of the onion crank, some Costco locations are changing their pizza pickup process. Traditionally, Costco members ordered whole pizzas at digital kiosks and waited for a food court worker to call their ticket number. This streamlined the ordering process, especially at busy locations.
However, a Costco member recently posted that their location has now switched from the number-calling system to a line specifically for whole pizza pickups. Customers place orders and join a dedicated line instead of waiting for their ticket number.
This shift has sparked mixed reactions among shoppers. The original kiosk system allowed customers to place their orders and wait comfortably without standing in line. While some customers appreciate the more structured line for whole pizzas, others may need to experience the convenience of the previous system.
It’s unclear how many locations have adopted this pizza pickup line system so far. However, one Reddit user reported that the San Francisco warehouse “rarely had number calling” initially. The pizza process may vary across locations, so Costco fans should check their local food court to see what’s available.
Will These Changes Spread Nationwide?
Whether the onion crank or the pizza pickup line will be introduced across all Costco warehouses is still being determined. Recent sightings of these changes suggest that Costco might be testing the waters to see how customers respond before committing to larger rollouts.
Costco has not officially commented on the onion crank’s reintroduction or the new pizza line. Given the demand, however, these changes could expand if customer feedback is positive.
A Recap: What Shoppers Should Know
Here’s a summary of the recent food court updates that Costco fans are buzzing about:
- Onion Crank Return: At least one Costco location in Riverton, Utah, has returned the onion crank for hot dog toppings. Fans are hopeful this reintroduction will spread to other locations.
- Mixed Reactions to Onion Cups: Shoppers in other regions have mixed feelings about the onion cups currently available, with some finding them inconvenient or poorly stocked.
- Pizza Pickup System Change: Some Costco food courts now have a line dedicated to whole pizza pickups instead of the traditional number-calling system.
- No Nationwide Confirmation Yet: Costco hasn’t confirmed these changes for all locations, so fans should watch for their next visit.
FAQs
1. Why did Costco remove the onion crank in the first place?
The onion crank and other self-serve condiment dispensers were removed from Costco food courts in 2020 due to health and safety concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Will the onion crank return to all Costco locations?
Costco still needs to confirm a nationwide rollout of the onion crank. It has been spotted at least at one location, and fans are hopeful it will return to other food courts.
3. Are the onion cups a permanent replacement?
The onion cups are the current standard in most Costco locations, but it’s still being determined if they’ll remain if the onion crank is fully reinstated.
4. Is the new pizza pickup system at all locations?
Only some locations appear to have switched to the new pizza line system, and it’s still being determined if it will expand to all Costco warehouses.
5. Can I request my local Costco’s onion crank or a new pizza system?
While customer feedback can influence decisions, Costco locations may have varying policies and timelines for implementing changes. Checking with your local Costco is the best way to stay updated on available amenities.
Conclusion:
For fans of Costco’s food court, the return of the onion crank offers a nostalgic nod to pre-pandemic days, and the new pizza pickup line might streamline things for members who want their orders quickly.
Whether or not these changes will become widespread remains to be seen, but they add an element of excitement and customization that Costco shoppers know and love.
As always, keep your eyes open next time you’re at the food court—your favorite Costco amenity might make a comeback!
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