Costco quietly reverses decades-old deli rule | Official Website of Louis Velazquez, entrepreneur, finance guy and tech innovator

Regular Costco shoppers will know that, on top of the regular wholesale groceries and a food court famous for its large slices of pizza and $1.50 hot-dog-and-soda combo, the big-box chain also offers an extensive selection of cakes and deli trays.

Its bakeries in particular have been a core store concept featured at original Price Club locations since the 1970s. In 1993, what began as Price Club merged with competitor Costco to create a joint wholesale chain that remains to this day.

Some of the most popular signature cakes sold at Costco bakeries include the classic white cheesecake and the Kirkland Signature Tuxedo Chocolate Mousse Cake. The chain’s deli platters of wings, veggies and dips, and sandwiches have also become beloved staples of the Costco and Kirkland brands over the decades.

Costco CEO says chain finally has “ordering cakes and deli trays online coming”

While the back of each Costco location has a wide selection of these items for customers to grab, those who need large quantities or are looking for something specific can also place custom orders through the bakery.

At the last earnings call, in which the chain beat analyst expectations with revenue of $67.31 billion, Costco CEO Ron Vachris said the chain was preparing to replace the old custom order system for the bakery and deli.

Even in 2026, any custom orders need to be filled out directly at store locations through a paper form. But soon members will be able to do so through the mobile app Costco launched in 2012.

“I mean, more engagement, more locking in the brick-and-mortar business with the virtual digital business as well,” Vachris said in response to analysts who asked where the company was headed in the Dec. 11 call.

“And as we continue to roll out enhancements, we’ve got pay ahead for the pharmacy coming, we’ve got ordering cakes and deli trays online coming.”

The Costco bakery sells a number of now-iconic cakes.

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“Things that we’ve heard from our members could be a little clunky”: Vachris

Vachris went on to admit that customers have asked why the chain does not allow for custom deli orders to be placed online. The company is looking to implement mobile versions of other features and systems that are increasingly viewed as antiquated, he added.

“So many of the things that we’ve heard from our members that could be a little bit clunky are now moving to a digital state,” Vachris said.

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Costco shared few details around the time frame for the app rollout or what the new feature will look like. Vachris confirmed, however, that it will include the ability to purchase premade cakes and place custom orders for which customers choose the size, shape, color, and any inscriptions and decorations from a catalog of options.

Depending on location, custom Costco cake orders currently must be placed 24 to 48 hours before pickup time. Any custom items ordered online will also presumably be available for the same delivery service that can be arranged for regular items through the app.