Costco Hot Dog Combo switching to Pepsi

[dave_c]

Here in the Seattle area, the switch to Pepsi was made a couple years ago, but everyone will be drinking Pepsi in the future.

http://blog.seattlepi.com/thebigblog/...

Personally, I drink Coke and not a fan of Pepsi. When I do buy the hot dog combo, about 80% of the time I just give the drink cup to a family with kids.

[Chowrin]

Noticed the switch today. Didn't care.
How many of these socalled foodies like New Coke??

That's way, way more surprising to me! ;-)

[emu48]

It's still a bargain meal. But it is no longer the high-quality bargain meal that it was.

I recommend trying the Polish-dog option. Some people, including me, believe it's a better product than the regular Kirkland dog.

[c oliver]

We've only ever gotten the Polish.

[bagelman01]

Unfortunately, in southern CT, the Polish dog disappeared from the Costco snack bar about 10 years ago.

[c oliver]

Wow, that really surprises me. You'd think the NE would definitely have it if anyone does.

[Dax]

Ours (Hoover, AL) switched in the last month as we noticed on Saturday. I prefer diet coke but can live with diet pepsi. It would be nice if they had more tea choices like at Sam's. I don't go for their hotdogs (I prefer grilled as the mushy steamed dogs are not my gig) and their pizza is so greasy lately that we continue to just get a drink.

[steakman55]

Horrible Horrible decision. I thought Costco had more class than that. Tallahassee Florida store now has P**si machines instead of the Coca Cola Company products. I will never again buy a hot dog there. I got so mad I walked out of the store without buying anything at all.

[c oliver]

Oh please.

[kinglouix]

Couldn't agree more, I have been in an absolute rage over this. Costco prides themselves on quality and now they serve that shit. Used to be the highlight of my weekend shopping, now I refuse to go there. Sadly, and against my will I am joining Sams. Costco, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Would pay $2 any day of the week for a Hot dog and a coke before I would pay $1.50 for a pepsi and a dog. Costco should have polled its members before making this stupid switch. Also the Turkey Sandwich sucks, you need to provide the sausage and pepper at all Costco's not just the ones in the NE.

[c oliver]

Wow, if something like this puts you in an "absolute rage," I shudder to think what real issues cause :) I was told that the switch was made cause Coke wasn't providing good service on the machines. So from their standpoint it was "broke." And I think that sandwich is fantastic. And be assured that there are plenty of people who prefer Pepsi to Coke so I don't call it shit. To each his own. And I see almost no one passing up the Pepsi.

BTW, I checked my local Costco recently and the iced tea is raspberry-flavored. That's a no-go for me. But water is just fine with me.

[Tripeler]

+1 on what c oliver says.
In fact, this post makes me think of one of Gilda Radner's best tunes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYXMa7...

[bagelman01]

After following this thread for months, my localk Costco made the switch June 1. We were there on June 3 and I was thrilled to have a diet Pepsi. I don't like diet Coke from the fountain. They still had light lemonade for my wife, which makes her happy.

[c oliver]

I think some here are ignoring the fact that Pepsi has a huge following. There's no bigger fan of Coke than I am (native Atlantan) but I'm not going to cut off my nose. Good grief.

[EWSflash]

Agreed. What's he gonna do when he gets audited?

[Cathy]

Really. You're going to pay more for the same or lesser quality products and shop at a different store because you can't get a certain beverage from a machine as part of a $1.50 snack that's an optional purchase. Really. Really?

[liza219]

I find this strange, as well. Being Costco is the type of place where you don't have many choices between brands, (whatever they can get for the best price), I find it strange that people would be shocked by the switch. Coke wouldn't negotiate better prices, so they went for Pepsi. It's Coke's loss; I'm sure they'll have to start reconsidering their prices or their market.

[kinglouix]

Just an aside, for some reason the hot dogs there repeat on me. Does anyone else experience that phenomenon. By the Way I boycotted costco yesterday and went to Bojangles and paid $4.44 for a large fry and their legendary sweet tea, much rather give the extra $3 to pay for quality.

[c oliver]

What is Bojangles and do they sell toilet paper?!?!?!?

[kinglouix]

Fried chicken restaurant based out of North Carolina and only in the south. Best Sweet Tea out there, great fries, and the bacon egg and cheese biscuit with borounds for breakfast is probably the best $5 breakfast in the country. They do have a bathroom with TP.

[c oliver]

I grew up in Atlanta and have NEVER understood "sweet tea." Ugh. Another dealbreaker for me. Certainly not anything MY family served.

[aynrandgirl]

Totally lame. They recently did this in Phoenix. I don't really care about the colas since I don't drink either, but the change means:

1) no pink lemonade. I like pink lemonade
2) no root beer. I love root beer

[treb]

Not if you're running a business.

[aynrandgirl]

Slightly lower costs don't mean much if you lose customers.

[Cathy]

I recall numerous similar statements here when Costco switched to the Kirkland brand hot dogs and Kirkland Polish dogs, in 2009.

Within those posts were the repetitive 'it was so bad, I vomited it up/threw it away after the first bite' statements.

If they lose customers over $1.50 product, so be it. They'll go back if it affects their bottom line.

[Samalicious]

Their current customers stand in line for crappy hot dogs and pizza because they are cheap. It is hard to believe that sales will be impacted because of Pepsi.

[c oliver]

Our Costco made the switch quite a while back and I'm the ONLY one I see who's not getting a soda of some type. I'm die hard Coke but I don't try to secondguess a company's business decision.

[c oliver]

Oh please. No one joins Costco for the hot dogs OR the sodas. I'm too lazy to look it up but I doubt that the food served drives the business even a little.

[fourunder]

I recall reading in a newsletter that Costco claims one in every four customers entering the store has the hot dog combo......

[c oliver]

I have no reason to believe or disbelieve that. I seem to see a lot more pizza. We used to split a slice but the pepperoni is just so greasy so we switched to dogs. We think it's what retirees on a 'fixed income' eat!

[HillJ]

Folks with $$$ to burn love a bargain too! Ha! In 1997 when our local Costco opened doors the CEO came to visit. All the businesses in the area were invited (& naturally invited to open their business memberships). We were charged for our hot dog. At the time my husband ran a flight school and we sold hot dogs in the barn on weekends for guest flight customers.

From big biz to small corner store everyone enjoyed the same hot dog from Costco that day.

[fourunder]

You cannot please everyone.....by your rational, they would lose customers if they switched back to Coke or any other brand as well.

[treb]

I seriously doubt that Costco is going to lose customers over the best dog & a drink with a refill deal anywhere. Plus, there are other drink choices offered, not just Pepsi.

[EWSflash]

Frankly, I don't like either one, or any of the other sodas they have there, but they've never offered unsweetened iced tea, so I'll get whatever diet cola they have (and I dislike the diet Pepsi less) so I'm looking forward to it- almost.

[c oliver]

Hmm, my Costco has unsweetened ice tea.

[Cathy]

My Costcos (San Diego County) have unsweetened tea as a choice from the machines.

[EWSflash]

I'm jealous, Cathy and c oliver. Never had iced tea here.

[Cathy]

In the soda machines. Nestea unsweetened- Coca Cola product.

Haven't gone to the food court in a while, but assume it will be Lipton-Pepsico product.

[enbell]

often that seems to be sweetened lemon ( I think)

[Cathy]

I'm diabetic and don't like artificial sweeteners, so only have unsweetened tea or soda water. If it's sweetened, I can't have it. Then I might complain here and at the store.

[enbell]

got it, just passing on what I could recall. Managing diabetes of course is a serious matter!!

[julesrules4food]

Well, it's happened here in Vegas, my worst fear, our Costco is now Pepsi. I spoke with the manager in the food/cafe area and he told me they are getting complaints about 60% of their customers. They also told me after a 30-60 day period (he thinks that's how long at least) each Costco will be able to choose which drinks they want from Pepsi but for the first time period all Costcos got the same drinks. He said the one thing being requested more than any is Diet Mountain Dew. Phew! That saves me as it's my 2nd favorite drink after Diet Coke.

[c oliver]

Oh my, never in my wildest dreams would I've thought I'd root for Mountain Dew :) Shiver.

[Tripeler]

Yeah, me too. I call it Mountain Don't.

[c oliver]

That is really hilarious!!!

[golfer1]

Still Coke here in Edmonton.

[c oliver]

At their Reno stores, this switch also occurred a couple of years ago. I was told it was because Coke wasn't servicing the machines properly. Who knows? I do NOT under ANY circumstance drink PEPSI. I'm from Atlanta originally :)

[coll]

The Coca Cola Kid!

[c oliver]

You betcha! Actually "down there," it's just called "Co Cola."

[coll]

Good to know, I'm going down this weekend. Don't want to look like a fool!

[c oliver]

As long as you don't say something like "soda," you'll be fine. LOADS of Yankees there now :)

[coll]

I know, we're visiting a few; but then we're going to Albany. Saving my appetite for down there!

[KaimukiMan]

mid april and we still have Coke in Honolulu

[brilynn79]

I never get the hot dog, but was really sad yesterday to have to get a Pepsi. Oh, well more calories saved on my future Costco trips.

Pepsi is going to rule the world- I hate that they dominate most of the area restaurants, hospitals, State Fair Etc.

[HillJ]

Since I'm not a soda drinker, I thought I would mention that Costco will sub a water for the soda.

[knowspicker]

I like to use the fountain to just get a soda water plain. There is one that will give you just water [by the lemonade] and another one that will give you carbonated water... though I usually just leave the cup and eat the dog.

In the end I wish they would sell just the dog without the drink.

[jrvedivici]

Great user name!! Lol

[ebchower]

When I drank regular, I preferred Coke but Pepsi was satisfactory. With diet, it has to be Coke.

[NonnieMuss]

Anyone ever had this conversation?:

Me: I'll have blah-blah food and a Diet Coke.

Waiter: Diet Pepsi ok?

Me: (Siiiiiiigggghhh) I'll just have water.

Pepsi is taking over my entire city, but my understanding is that the local Pepsi distributor is a great community supporter - little league teams, donations to charities, special pricing for fundraising events, etc. The Coke people aren't so into that around here. And Pepsi gives a better price to small businesses. That's all great, but I still like Coke better.

When I worked at the University, they made the switch to Pepsi - only Pepsi machines on campus, only Pepsi in the cafeteria, etc. I'd bring in my own 12-packs of Diet Coke, and several times I would be stopped carrying it to work by someone offering to buy a can off me.

[enbell]

Total opposite :) I'd trade ya cities but I love Boise too much!

[julesrules4food]

I can't tell you how many times I've had that exact conversation! When I used to visit Las Vegas it was almost all Pepsi so I always carried a diet coke in my purse and would just ask for a glass of ice. Now since coke is about 50/50 with pepsi here, I've felt safe and moved here. Seriously, I always wanted to move here but the pepsi thing actually had a vote in my decision.There's even a website with a map of the strip hotels by pepsi or coke. My friends here know if they ask me to go someplace it better be a Diet Coke place.
But back to the subject of the OP, I sure hope our Costcos here don't switch. I go once a week just for a pizza to take home and a diet coke to drink while I wait.

[Dinermite]

Give me the good old RC cola! Yum!!

[laliz]

hate Hate HATE Pepsi. If they make the switch where I'm at, they'll sell two less hot dogs per month. OMG!!!!!!

[EWSflash]

You don't have to get a drink, you know, or you can get one of the other sodas- just sayin'.

[liza219]

I retract my last statement! Costco is switching to Pepsi in New York. Hub's just got the memo!

[Terrie H.]

I grew up on Pepsi and it's what I prefer. Where I live, finding any restaurant now that serves Pepsi is close to impossible.

Twice a year, I treat myself to a Big Gulp of good old Pepsi. No Coke... Pepsi.

[westaust]

They have been serving Pepsi instead of coke (at least in the Montreal area) for many years already!

[jfprieur]

May have to do with Quebec being the only region in North America where Pepsi outsells Coke. Distinct society and everything ;)

[EWSflash]

I can't believe they still don't have an iced tea dispenser, or rather fresh-brewed tea dispenser.

[pine time]

We want them to sell coffee at the food stand. Understand that big pots would get stale/burned, but we'd happily pay a buck if they had a Keurig deal--quick, fresh-brewed, no waste for them, and we'd happily have our joe.

[selfportrait93]

Between coke and Pepsi, I prefer Coke. But if they switch to Pepsi, I'll just drink Sierra Mist or their orange flavored soda instead.

[cstr]

Costco is all about giving the best value to it's customers, if Coke doesn't give Costco the best price, they're OUT! Costco just ditched Budwiser products for the same reason. I bet both get their act together and will be back at Costco soon.

[ohmyyum]

Idk... Apple hasn't returned.

[Tripeler]

I think it is because Apple has truly unique product. For soft drinks and beer, though....

[ohmyyum]

My idk was just in response to the manufacturers giving in to Costco's demands. When I asked why they stopped carrying the Mac books (right before I was about to order one) they said it was because apple had tried to insist that they not offer apple products at a lower price than any of its other authorized retailers.. and Costco refused and have not sold them since.

But you are right that the soda wars are a different situation entirely.

[Tripeler]

Yes, you made a good point, ohmyyum. I think the issue here is that a manufacturer has a right to question whether the retailer can have so much power in dictating price points. As I have seen with Wal-Mart, low prices have some surprising cost effects in the long run, on the whole.

[treb]

Very different from a beverage.

[SWISSAIRE]

Rubbish.

More like the best money deal for Costco.

If they were really interested in giving the best value to it's customers, they would give them A CHOICE.

[coll]

It's not just the money. Around here, state vendors are forced to use Coke and are not happy about it. Their complaint has to do with service, not the price. Coke can't even be bothered to return their calls when they have an emergency, which is inexcusable.But they're not allowed to use anyone else.

[treb]

Costco will not continue with a vendor if they are not able to give the best and most competative value to their members. It's a win win win for Costco, it's members and the vendor who ultimately will sell it's product in substancial volume. I've seen Costco discontinue certain very popular beers 'cus they were not able to get the best price and thus could not be competative in their market place.

[PeterL]

We've been having Pepsi for as long as I can remember.

[nlgardener]

"No Coke, Pepsi!" Anyone else remember the SNL skit?

[StrandedYankee]

When I took the Pepsi Challenge as an eleven year old back in 1982, I chose Pepsi. Also, the Philadelphia neighborhood I grew up in was a Pepsi neighborhood (they had a HUGE bottling plant near-ish by that employed a lot of neighborhood people). So Pepsi loyalism was bred into me early.

And yep, I remember. "No Fries. Cheeps!"

[EWSflash]

Ha!

[StrandedYankee]

Yay! I am a Pepsi girl, and even more a Diet Pepsi girl.

[KaimukiMan]

considering the vast quantities they go thru and the fact that every costco I've ever been to has had at least two soda towers or whatever they are called you would think they would offer a choice.

[bagelman01]

No choice. Cola is a commodity product for Costco. Coke and Pepsi bid for the rights to be the exclusive cola sold at Costco. Pepsi had already taken over 2 of 8 Costco regions, and apparently are getting the rest.
This isn;t just going to be at the food courts. Pepsi will replace Coke in the cans and bottle aisles as well.

[pine time]

As in: not selling Coke at all? My CostCo sells both, currently. Won't be buying Pepsi.

[PeterL]

No, as in selling only Pepsi products in their "restaurant". You can still get Coke and Pepsi from the store.

[bagelman01]

This varies by location

[liza219]

North east costco's sell coke/diet coke. No plan in changing anytime soon.

[bagelman01]

I detest Diet Coke from the fountain, so usually get the Minute Maid light lemonade, But will be thrilled to get Diet Pepsi. My wife OTOH hates Diet Pepsi and likes Diet Coke, now she'll be drinking lemonade

[KaimukiMan]

no, no, say it ain't so,

i'm sure there are an equal number of people who are thrilled.

[enbell]

why yes, yes I am :)