Remember the uproar when Costco introduced a $4.99 Shake Shack-style burger in 2017? Many hard-core warehouse fans complained it was too expensive for Costco's food court, known for cheap fast-food staples such as $1.50 all-beef hot dogs and $10 whole pizzas.
But the cheeseburger is a bargain compared to the company's latest food court experiment – a $9.99 roast beef sandwich.
The sandwich was spotted at a Lynnwood, Washington warehouse – about 30 miles from Costco's headquarters. It is made with sliced roast beef, onion relish, a mayonnaise and mustard blend, lettuce, and roasted cherry tomatoes and served on a hoagie-style roll.
A photo of the sandwich was posted on a Costco Reddit forum three days ago and has since generated nearly 500 comments.
It's unclear how many stores have the sandwich and if Costco plans a larger rollout.
Costco declined to comment.
On Reddit, the sandwich drew excitement, but some questioned the "spendy" item's price of nearly $10. That's more than six times the cost of a Costco hot dog.
"$10 is a little spendy compared to other items, but hell, I would definitely try it," one person wrote.
Another person predicted the sandwich wouldn't last long on the menu. "$10 for a single-serve, individual item doesn't seem to fit in well with the rest of their lineup. I would expect this to be a poor seller and get scratched from the lineup quickly."
Others compared the value of the $9.99 sandwich to iconic Costco food deals, including its famous rotisserie chicken or the food court's whole pizzas. The roasted bird cost $4.99, and a 12-slice whole pizza cost $10.72 at a store in Tustin, California.
One person said the sandwich looked tempting but not enough to "trade" for an entire pizza at the equivalent price.
"Only slightly more expensive than two whole rotisserie chickens," another person said of the sandwich.
That hit home with at least one other Reddit member.
"This comment ruined it for me. Would I rather have 1 sandwich or 2 rotisserie chickens? I think the chickens win."
If someone wants to try the sandwich, you better get to the Lynwood warehouse early.
One person on Reddit noted the sandwich was listed as "out of stock" during a visit to the store three days ago.
Your chances of snagging the deli sub were better Wednesday afternoon.
When asked about the status of the roast beef sandwich, a food court worker answering the phone at the Lynnwood warehouse said 29 were left.
Are you a fast food insider with insight to share? Got a tip? Contact this reporter via email at nluna@insider.com.
