This Company Is Totally Ripping off the Costco Food Court

Recently, photos have been circulating online showing a “Costco food court” that looks a little bit strange. Why? Because it’s outdoors. At Allrecipes, we know the Costco food court like the back of our hand— including the latest menu drops and the best ways to hack it—so immediately, we needed to know what was up.

As it turns out, it isn’t a Costco food counter at all. It’s an outdoor concession stand located in a bustling shopping center in California—and it was created by Skechers. Yes, the shoe company. We know what you're thinking: What?

The Skechers warehouse outlet in Gardena, California is indeed behind the copycat food counter. About four months ago, the brand quietly launched a new restaurant on the side of the store and, of all things, modeled it after the Costco food court. With the flavorless name the Food Spot, the restaurant overtly riffs off Costco’s signature style. 

The appearance is nearly identical, down to the menu fonts and retro-looking food photos. There are even the same bright red borders outlining each photo—no subtlety to be found here. 

Almost all of the offerings are the same, as well. There are soft-serve sundaes in various flavors, churros, Caesar salads, pizza, and, of course, all-beef hot dogs. However, the mock menu items are more expensive than Costco's, proving you really can’t find prices that low just anywhere. Plus, there’s one signature food court favorite missing from the menu: the chicken bake. 

“Have you ever seen a company ape Costco's style so directly?,” asked one Reddit user, and others on the thread shared their thoughts. 

“Um, can they do that?,” and “I am irrationally annoyed by this,” are some of the comments that followed.

While Costco sells Skechers shoes in its stores (and has for years), this isn’t the same sort of brand partnership moment that's happening here.

So, what is the story here? Evidently, the shoe company’s president and co-founder, Michael Greenberg, hatched the idea as a way to enhance the customer experience at the Skechers outlet, the same way other department stores offer unique, in-house eateries. The value shoe brand was after a value menu, and what menu exemplifies that concept better than that of Costco's food court?

The idea was simple: No-frills food that didn’t disappoint, and at a good price (sounds a lot like what we love about Costco’s spread). Apparently, the appeal of the Costco food court goes beyond Costco walls, especially when there’s no membership required.

The Costco-style counter sells hot dogs for $2.50, pizza slices for $3, and salads for around $6, which are pricier, but still affordable (especially for L.A.). The Food Spot does offer some unique options as well, including a crispy chicken sandwich, a Nashville spiced chicken sandwich, and a double cheeseburger. French fries are also available with these sandwich options (an item we wish Costco would bring to U.S. food courts). 

Bizarre as it may seem, the company is dubbing the idea a success. According to Eater, the side business has boosted store sales and continues to bring in new crowds, including influencers and bloggers looking to share their reviews.

Will Costco call out its blatant impersonator? We’ll just have to wait and see. 

We’re all about an ode to the beloved warehouse store, but an overpriced knock-off, in our opinion, is just in poor taste. One Reddit user said, “I’m so confused by this,” pretty much summarizing our thoughts here.