
Costco’s Big Changes in Iowa: Membership, the Food Court, and a Major Departure in 2025
When Costco and Sam's Club opened in Eastern Iowa, it was big news. Now, if you needed a grand piano, you didn't have to settle for just one—you could get a four-pack—one for every room. It was the wave of the future.
Ok, so it wasn't for everyone, but those who did take part seemed to love it. Even the workers seemed to like it. Costco was paying above-average wages, and this documentary showed the founder & CEO cared about the company and the people:
The Times They Are a-Changin'
Now, Iowans are learning a hard lesson. In 2024, Costco slammed the door, or maybe more forced the sliding door shut, on customers who did not have a membership, but enjoyed the food court because of its ridiculously low prices. Hots dogs are $1.50 and, according to NPR, will stay that way, though not all food court products were immune from a price hike.
Back to accessing the food court. It was policy to have a membership since 2020 but was not enforced everywhere. Some were none too pleased, but some members had "other" feelings, and on Reddit were happy to share.
Sidewaysgalaxy says:
"Only non-members have an issue. Pay for the membership, use the food court. It’s a club that people pay to be a part of. If you don’t pay you don’t get the benefits"
"The food court is a "membership benefit" eg no membership, no access. I just used my executive benefit rewards check yesterday and apparently, the grifting is so bad that they now have to double verify the rewards checks via the membership counter because they are seeing so much grift."
What Else Will Costco Change?
We are now learning in 2025, after over a decade of giving customers a sugar high with their carbonated beverages (and maybe some not-so-carbonated), Pepsi will be replaced with Coke products after the contract ends near August of 2025. There is much sadness in the Pepsi world, but maybe much happiness in the Coke world.

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Gallery Credit: Courtlin
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Gallery Credit: Sloppy Joe
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