Costco, a multinational corporation that operates a chain of membership-only warehouse clubs, is widely recognized for its broad variety of products. But did you know it also offers a range of party platters that can serve as a convenient solution for your catering needs? Let’s delve deeper into this lesser-known aspect of Costco’s services.
Founded in 1976 under the name “Price Club,” Costco has grown into one of the largest retailers worldwide. From electronics and clothing to groceries and appliances, Costco offers an expansive selection of products.
Services offered by Costco include:
- Retail goods: Groceries, electronics, clothing, appliances, etc.
- Services: Pharmacy, Optical, Photo Center, Travel, and more.
- Food services: Food court, bakery, and deli.
- Business services: Payment processing, bottled water delivery, etc.
- Automobile services: Gas stations, vehicle services like braking, tire changes etc.
- Catering-like solutions: Pre-made meals and party platters.
As far as food services are concerned, Costco houses a food court offering hot dogs, pizza, and the famous Costco chicken bake. They also have a bakery and a deli section offering freshly baked goods and meats.
These catering-like solutions offer customers the convenience of ready-to-eat meals without the hassle of cooking. These platters are ideal for hosting events or parties, eliminating the stress of food preparation and allowing hosts to focus on entertaining their guests.
Although Costco doesn’t provide a formal catering service, they do offer pre-made meals and party platters that can conveniently serve a crowd.
Does Costco Offer Catering Services?
While Costco doesn’t technically offer formal catering services, its extensive range of pre-made meals and party platters.
These platters come packed with a variety of delicacies, from gourmet cheeses and fresh fruits to sandwich assortments and prawn platters, making it an excellent choice for parties, events, and gatherings.
Even though you won’t find traditional catering services like event delivery, setup, or serving staff at Costco, their party platters and pre-made meals are a convenient and affordable alternative.
Does Costco Cater Events?
In a traditional sense, Costco does not cater events.
They do not deliver, set up or provide staff for serving food at events. However, their party platters and pre-made meals can easily be utilized to cater for small to large groups.
This approach requires customers to pick up their order from the store and handle the event setup themselves.
Costco Party Platters – Menu with Price
Let’s take a closer look at the range of platters Costco offers. Each is crafted to feed a crowd, ensuring your guests won’t leave hungry.
- Prawn Platter – Loaded with 1.3 kg of mouth-watering, cooked prawns served with cocktail sauce and lemons. This platter is a seafood lover’s delight and serves approximately 8 people.
- Sandwich Platter – Offers a variety of gourmet sandwich options filled with ham and cheese, roast beef, chicken mayo, and egg mayo. This platter can comfortably cater to 9 guests.
- Chicken Wings Platter – Includes 1.4 kg of succulent chicken wings in two flavors, spicy Buffalo and BBQ. This platter is perfect for those who like their food with a little kick.
- Gourmet Cheese Platter – Features a selection of premium cheeses including cheddar, Camembert, Colby Jack, and Swiss, paired with green and red grapes. Ideal for cheese lovers and serves around 16 people.
- Fresh Fruit Platter – Contains an assortment of fresh and juicy fruits like pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi. Serves approximately 20-24 guests.
Note: The prices and availability of these platters can vary depending on the store and region, so it’s always best to check with your local Costco for the most accurate details.
How to Order Costco Party Platters & Sandwiches
Ordering party platters and sandwiches from Costco is a straightforward process:
- Visit Your Local Costco: Orders for party platters must be placed in person at the Costco warehouse.
- Fill Out an Order Form: Order forms are available at the Deli section. Specify your platter choices, the quantities needed, and the pickup date.
- Place Your Order: Submit your completed order form to the Deli department.
- Pick Up Your Order: Arrive on your selected date to pick up your order. Remember to plan transportation accordingly, as these platters can be quite large.
Note: Costco recommends placing your order at least 24 to 48 hours in advance to ensure availability.
Costco Sandwich and Party Platter Prices
Costco’s party platter prices are competitive, offering great value for the quality and quantity of food.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Prawn Platter | $49.98 |
| Sandwich Platter | $29.98 |
| Chicken Wings Platter | $24.99 |
| Gourmet Cheese Platter | $49.99 |
| Fresh Fruit Platter | $19.99 |
Please note, these prices are estimates and may vary by location.
Do You Need a Membership to Order from Costco’s Party Platter Menu?
Yes, a Costco membership is required to place an order from their party platter menu.
This requirement is in line with Costco’s policy that only members can enjoy the benefits of its products and services.
How Many Days Ahead Does Costco Require?
Costco recommends placing your party platter order at least 24 to 48 hours in advance to ensure the platters are ready for your event.
For larger orders, it may be wise to give even more notice to ensure your needs can be accommodated.
- Read Also: Does Costco do Oil Changes?
Other Best Options for Catering Services
While Costco offers great value, there are numerous other catering options to consider, including:
- Whole Foods: Known for their commitment to quality, Whole Foods offers a range of catering options, including hot meals, sandwich platters, and dessert trays.
- Panera Bread: Panera Bread offers a variety of sandwich and pastry options that can cater to small or large events.
- Chipotle: If you’re hosting a more casual event, Chipotle’s build-your-own taco and burrito options can add a fun and interactive element to your catering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Costco Deliver Party Platters?
No, currently Costco does not offer delivery for their party platters. All orders must be picked up in-store.
What Are Costco’s Hours?
Costco’s hours vary by location and day of the week. Typically, warehouses are open from 10 AM to 8:30 PM on weekdays, with shorter hours on weekends.
The Bottom Line
Though Costco does not offer traditional catering services, their selection of pre-made meals and party platters can serve as a convenient and affordable solution for your event catering needs.
From sandwich assortments to gourmet cheese selections, Costco’s offerings can satisfy a variety of tastes and dietary needs. With some planning and a Costco membership, your next event could be a hit with minimal effort on your part. Happy planning!
