Costco has quietly rolled out a new food-court item that repackages a long-favored combination of toppings into a folded pastry — the chain is charging $6.99 for the “Combo Calzone,” and the reaction from members online has been immediate and mixed. The launch matters because menu tweaks at the warehouse giant can shape member experience and social buzz, and this one has already sparked debate about value, taste and presentation.
The calzone is being promoted as a handheld version of Costco’s familiar combo pizza flavor profile, loaded with pepperoni, sausage, cheese and a mix of vegetables. Availability appears uneven; some store locations have the item now while others do not.
Shoppers on social platforms reacted fast. Several posts criticized the promotional photos and called the item an odd revival of the combo pizza in a different format. Others said the calzone tastes fine and praised it as a convenient option for a quick meal at the food court.
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- What’s inside: pepperoni, sausage, cheese, onions, bell peppers, olives and mushrooms.
- Price point: $6.99 — positioned as a value item compared with many casual-dining alternatives.
- Member response: a mix of skepticism about the appearance and appreciation from members who tried it and enjoyed it.
- Rollout: selective — not every Costco has added the calzone yet.
Critics focused largely on the look of the product images and whether the calzone delivers the same appeal as the traditional pizza. Some members said the crust seemed overdone in photos and that the item looked uninviting, while others suggested that without seeing it in person they would still be tempted to try it.
One shopper who tried the calzone at a Michigan store described it as serviceable and noted it felt like a folded slice with a firmer outer edge — an experience they wouldn’t make a habit of, but didn’t regret sampling. Conversely, other comments called for Costco to simply bring back the combo pizza rather than repackage it.
The change comes amid other food-court shifts at the retailer earlier this year, including the phase-in of Coca-Cola fountain drinks in place of Pepsi products and the earlier removal of the popular churro from the menu. Those moves have contributed to heightened attention whenever Costco adjusts its food offerings.
Why this matters now: Costco’s food court has long been a cultural touchpoint for members, and small menu changes can prompt outsized conversation online — influencing perceptions of value and convenience that affect store visits. For shoppers who base quick lunch choices on price and familiarity, the calzone’s success will hinge on taste and how widely it’s rolled out.
Fox News Digital reached out to Costco for additional comment on the new item and its distribution; the company had not provided a response at the time of publication.
