In March 2026, Costco CEO Ron Vachris made a big announcement about the food court’s long-standing hot dog combo. The CEO vowed the beloved comb, whose price has remained unchanged since 1981, would not change as long as he’s in charge. He even enjoyed a hot dog combo in the Costco food court to prove his dedication to the famous deal. Yet in April, fans noticed a change that quickly went viral. We promise, this is good news for some people.
Videos by InspireMore
The Costco Hot Dog Combo Now Offers Bottled Water
For those Costco members who don’t like soda, they can purchase a hot dog combo with a bottle of water instead. And, yes, the prince is still $1.50. The Instagram account @costcoailes shared a photo from the food court ot the new choices. Followers had mixed reactions.
Some felt that adding bottled water when you can get water from the fountain was a frivolous waste of plastic.
“There’s a water button on the fountain drinks. So hmmmm. Stupid move,” one person commented.
“Why use more plastic when water is available in the soda dispenser?” Another person agreed.
Keen Costco shoppers felt like customers who get bottled water with their hot dog combo should get a price break.
“This doesn’t make sense. I noticed they removed the bottled water vending machine that was 25¢ so shouldn’t it be $1.25? Just sayin’,” someone asked.
But others like having the option of bottled water.
“I rather get the water tbh,” a customer commented.
This person agreed, writing, “Awesome!”
Whether you want soda or water is up to you. The fact that Ron Vachris is trying to make everyone happy and keep the price point the same is pretty darn amazing.
This story’s featured image is by Kevin Carter/Getty Images.
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