The Costco food court is a place of high stakes and even higher emotions. As of May 8, 2026, the retail giant is making another major move to satisfy its vocal membership. After a year of mixed reviews and "member backlash" over the Kirkland Signature Combo Calzone, Costco is officially pulling the item from its kiosks. In its place comes a fan-requested staple that has finally crossed the border from Canada: Chicken Strips.
Five Pieces, No Fries: The U.S. Deal
While our neighbors to the north have long enjoyed a chicken-and-fries combo, the U.S. rollout is slightly different. Priced at $6.99, the new menu item includes five breaded chicken strips and a choice of dipping sauce (often a sweet honey mustard or BBQ).
It is important to note the "Costco twist": these strips are baked, not fried. This allows the warehouses to offer them without installing heavy-duty fryers in every location. Early feedback from the Chicago-area test sites—where the item is currently being piloted—describes the strips as "huge" and "very bready," though some purists are still mourning the lack of fries that accompany the Canadian version.
Why the Calzone Had to Go
The decision to swap the calzone for chicken strips wasn't random. According to reports from Delish and Inc. Magazine, the Combo Calzone failed to capture the hearts of members who were still grieving the loss of the "Combo Pizza." By pivoting to chicken strips—a high-protein, kid-friendly snack—Costco is leaning into its "abundance" brand. At $6.99, it is one of the more expensive items on the board, but for five large strips, it still maintains the "Costco Value" that keeps memberships active.
The Verdict from the Warehouse Floor
The reception has been a classic Costco mixed bag. While families are cheering for a kid-approved protein option, others are pointing out that the food court is becoming a "vegetable-free zone." With the calzone gone and the chicken strips arriving, the menu is almost entirely focused on "beige" comfort foods.
If you are a fan of the calzone, your time is running out. The transition to chicken strips is expected to expand from the initial Chicago-area test sites to warehouses nationwide by the end of the month. So, grab your dipping sauce and your membership card—the Colonel might have some competition at the warehouse.
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