The Costco Calzone Replacement Has Chicago Shoppers Riled up
A massive 1,640-calorie food court shake-up has customers online begging for the combo pizza
Key Takeaways
- Costco is quietly testing a brand-new baked chicken tender meal for $6.99.
- The massive new food court addition packs a shocking 1,640 calories.
- Disappointed shoppers complain the chicken looks "hard and overcooked."
Love grabbing a bite to eat at Costco’s food court when you shop? You may soon notice a new item on the menu. The warehouse chain is currently testing out chicken tenders as a calzone replacement in Chicago locations—and shoppers have thoughts! It’s too soon to tell if the chicken option will be rolled across the U.S., but the news is causing quite the stir. Here’s everything you need to know about this menu shake-up, plus a fun look back at other Costco food court items that have made waves over the years!
What is the new Costco calzone replacement in Chicago?
Loyal Costco customers in Chicago recently spotted an unexpected surprise on the food court menu: chicken tenders! Costco Insider revealed in an Instagram post that Costco is testing a new chicken tenders meal at various stores in the Windy City.
The post, which shows a close-up of the chicken tenders, has a caption that reads, “These are baked, not fried. The meal is extremely filling and we have heard it tastes great too. Dipping sauce is a sweet honey mustard.”
The new offering, which is priced at $6.99, comes with five chicken breast tenders and the sauce. For anyone curious about the nutrition information, the meal contains 1,640 calories.
Though a new menu offering can be exciting, some food court fans might be disappointed by this addition. The reason? Costco is testing the chicken tenders as a replacement for the calzone.
Costco shoppers react to the 1,640-calorie food court menu shake-up
When Costco makes a change to its popular food court menu, customers are always quick to react. Since the calzone is not typically a shopper favorite, few seem bothered by the possibility of it leaving the menu.
Its potential chicken tender replacement, however, is sparking debate online!
Several have expressed their disappointment that the chicken looks “hard and overcooked” based on the photo.
“They’re nothing special…wouldn’t recommend,” added one customer. “Long live the chicken bake.”
Others were excited by the news, despite the fact that the tenders’ high calorie count was off-putting to some.
“I’m never gonna be skinny…” a shopper quipped.
For most, however, it was apparent that nothing will compare to the combo pizza. Several shared their desire to see this option, which was discontinued in 2020, return to the menu.
How to try the new chicken tenders
If you’re on the fence about the calzone replacement, here’s some good news: The chicken tender menu option is still just in the testing phase. It has only been confirmed in Schaumburg, Niles and Lincoln Park locations, with no indication that there will be a national or even regional rollout.
Costco typically monitors sales and customer feedback during test phases before deciding whether to offer new food-court items nationwide. Based on previous menu item testing—things could certainly go either way!
From cheeseburgers to fries: A look back at Costco’s food-court flops
The membership warehouse chain has been testing food court items for years, with some hits—and some massive flops. Here’s a look at some of the additions that never made it past the regional testing stage:
- Cheeseburger: The ⅓ pound burger lasted in a few states from 2017 to 2020. Most customers complained about the taste and questioned the cooking method.
- French fries: Customers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Virginia could enjoy hot, fresh spuds before they were pulled in 2025.
- Acai bowls: In 2018, shoppers in California, Hawaii and Oregon were able to order the smoothie-style bowls, but the offering never made it to a nationwide release.
- Gelato: Hawaii residents could treat themselves to this delicious dessert until Costco removed it for good in 2016.
But not all tested items quietly fizzled out! Some Costco drops hit menus nationwide after success in smaller markets. These include:
- Combo calzone: The loaded Italian offering, which includes pepperoni, sausage, cheese, onions, peppers, olives and mushrooms, was initially only available in Midwestern stores.
- Chicken bake: This long-time favorite reportedly started at Southern California locations in the 1990s and 2000s and was even made in-house in the early days!
- Mango smoothie: First tested in Hawaii, the tropical fruit drink made its way to the mainland in summer 2023. But after poor nationwide reception, Costco began phasing it out just months later in favor of berry smoothies.
- Double chocolate chunk cookie: Eagle-eyed customers in the Pacific Northwest started noticing this dessert had replaced the churro in late 2023.
The verdict is still out on the plans for Costco’s new chicken tenders, but it could become a great option for customers looking for a filling meal!
Looking for more? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.
Conversation
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Woman's World does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.
