The Rise of a Food Court Legend

Costco's food court is a treasure trove of affordable, tasty offerings, with its pizza earning a legendary status among the warehouse club's members. Known for its simplicity, the pizza comes in either cheese or pepperoni and is celebrated for its unbeatable price of just $9.95 for a whole 18-inch pie or $1.99 per slice. Despite debates over its gourmet quality, the consensus is clear: Costco's pizza is a delicious deal that's hard to pass up.

High-Tech Sauce Distribution

One of the secrets to Costco's pizza perfection is in the sauce — literally. Unlike traditional pizzerias that rely on the human touch to spread sauce, Costco employs an "auto saucer." This machine precisely dispenses 10.5 ounces of sauce while spinning the dough, ensuring each pizza is evenly coated. This behind-the-scenes technology is a spectacle for those lucky enough to catch it in action at their local Costco.

The Halloween Pizza Phenomenon

While Costco's food courts are consistently busy, Halloween marks the peak of pizza sales. Employees and insiders report that the holiday sees the highest demand for pizzas, with sales figures soaring to record-breaking numbers. In 2024, a staggering 274,000 whole pizzas were sold on Halloween alone, marking a 21% increase from the previous year and solidifying the day as a pizza-selling bonanza.

Counting Calories? Go Pepperoni!

Contrary to what one might expect, Costco's pepperoni pizza is the lower-calorie option compared to its cheese counterpart. A whole pepperoni pizza contains 3,880 calories, while the cheese version racks up 4,260 calories. The difference lies in the cheese quantity, with pepperoni pizzas using 10 ounces less cheese than the cheese-only pizzas. This makes the pepperoni slice not only tastier but slightly healthier.

A Surprising Pizza Powerhouse

With 617 warehouses across the United States, each housing its own food court, Costco has emerged as one of the largest pizza chains in the country. Surpassing other well-known pizza establishments in the number of locations, Costco continues to expand, promising even more access to its beloved pizzas for members everywhere.

Slice Size Matters

Whether you're indulging in a whole pie or just grabbing a slice, the size of your pizza portion at Costco's food court varies. Whole pizzas are typically divided into 12 slices, while pizzas sold by the slice are cut into six larger pieces. This meticulous approach ensures that every slice is just right, using a special guide for uniformity.

The Art of Pepperoni Placement

Attention to detail doesn't stop at the sauce or slice size; it extends to the arrangement of toppings as well. Costco's food court workers follow a precise pattern when adding pepperoni to pizzas, aiming for a perfect distribution of 60 slices per pie. This methodical approach ensures that each slice is generously and evenly topped, making every bite as delicious as the last.

Costco's food court pizza, with its blend of affordability, taste, and convenience, continues to be a crowd-pleaser. Behind each slice lies a story of innovation, tradition, and meticulous care, making it more than just a quick meal option — it's a culinary experience cherished by members nationwide.