Introduction
Have you ever wondered where small businesses get their giant boxes of snacks or huge packs of meat? Welcome to the Costco Business Center, a special kind of Costco store made for businesses but open to everyone with a Costco membership! Whether you own a restaurant, plan big parties, or just love buying in bulk, this place is a treasure chest of deals.
What Is a Costco Business Center?
A Costco Business Center is a unique Costco warehouse designed to help small businesses like restaurants, offices, or stores. Unlike regular Costco stores, it focuses on selling big amounts of food, drinks, and business supplies. But here’s the cool part: anyone with a Costco membership (Gold Star, Business, or Executive) can shop there—no extra membership needed! Think of it as a super-sized store for people who need a lot of stuff at once.
These centers are smaller than regular Costco warehouses, with about 70,000 square feet of space compared to 150,000 square feet for a typical Costco. They’re built to be quick and easy to shop in, with fewer people crowding the aisles. As of 2025, there are 28 Costco Business Centers in the U.S., with most in California (11 locations) and others in states like Texas, Florida, and Illinois.
Why Shop at a Costco Business Center?
You might be thinking, “Why go to a Costco Business Center instead of a regular Costco?” Great question! Here are some reasons why it’s worth a visit:
1. Unique Products You Won’t Find Elsewhere
The Costco Business Center has over 70% different items compared to a regular Costco. You’ll find giant packs of food, like 30-pound boxes of chicken or 20-pound blocks of cheese, perfect for restaurants or big families. They also sell things like huge rice cookers, meat slicers, and cleaning supplies for offices. If you’re planning a big party, you can grab tableware, napkins, and snacks in bulk.
2. Save Money on Bulk Buys
Shopping at a Costco Business Center can save you money. For example, a 20-pound block of cheese might cost $150 here, but the same amount could cost $200 or more at other stores. They also have special “Savings Events” where you get instant discounts at the register. You can check these deals online two weeks before they start!
3. Less Crowded Stores
Unlike regular Costco stores, which can be super busy on weekends, Costco Business Centers are usually quieter. Shoppers say it’s easier to get in and out quickly, especially if you go early in the morning when they open at 7 a.m.
4. Perfect for Businesses and Events
If you run a restaurant, a Costco Business Center is like your best friend. You can buy huge amounts of ingredients, like 40-pound bags of potatoes or 15-dozen egg packs. Planning a wedding or a big fundraiser? They have everything you need, from plates to giant dessert trays.
What Can You Buy at a Costco Business Center?
The Costco Business Center is packed with cool stuff, but it’s different from a regular Costco. Here’s what you can expect:
Food and Drinks
- Bulk Meats and Produce: Think 30-pound boxes of chicken for $1.49 per pound or 20-pound bags of carrots. Perfect for cooking big meals!
- Snacks and Beverages: Get cases of single-flavor drinks like Jarritos or big packs of chips and candy for vending machines or parties.
- Bakery and Frozen Foods: Find giant cakes, frozen pizzas, or dessert trays for events.
Business Supplies
- Office Items: Buy bulk paper, pens, ink, or toner for your office.
- Cleaning Supplies: Get huge bottles of soap, mops, or trash bags for cleaning big spaces.
- Commercial Equipment: Need a deep fryer or a 60-cup rice cooker? They’ve got you covered!
Party Supplies
- Catering Items: Stock up on plates, napkins, cups, and serving spoons for big events.
- Decorations: Find tablecloths and other party essentials in bulk.
Unlike regular Costco stores, you won’t find things like clothes, toys, TVs, or books here. The focus is on stuff businesses need, but anyone can buy it!
Are There Any Downsides?
While the Costco Business Center is awesome, it’s not perfect for everyone. Here are a few things to know:
1. Missing Fun Stuff
Most Costco Business Centers don’t have food courts, free samples, or things like pharmacies or tire centers. If you love grabbing a $1.50 hot dog or trying samples, you might miss those. Some locations, like North Hollywood, have a food court, but the menu is small (think hot dogs and pizza).
2. Really Big Sizes
The items are huge, which is great for businesses but might be too much for a small family. For example, a 19-liter bucket of ketchup is awesome for a restaurant but not so great for your kitchen unless you love ketchup!
3. Not Everywhere
There are only 28 Costco Business Centers in the U.S., so you might not have one near you. If you live far from one, it might not be worth the trip unless you’re buying a lot.
Who Should Shop at?
The Costco Business Center is perfect for certain people, but not everyone. Here’s who will love it:
- Business owners: Bulk food and supplies may minimise costs for cafés, restaurants, and workplaces.
- Event Planners: Need supplies for a big party or wedding? This is your spot!
- Big Families or Groups: If you have a big freezer or share buys with friends, the bulk deals are amazing.
- Curious Shoppers: Even if you don’t need tons of stuff, it’s fun to check out the unique items!
If you just need a few things for your house, a regular Costco might be better because it has more everyday items like clothes and electronics.
How to Find a Costco Business Center
Use the store finder on the Costco website to locate a Costco Business Centre in your area. To see only these places, use the “Business Centre” filter. Most are in California, but there are some in other states like Texas, Nevada, and Florida. If there’s no Business Center nearby, you can shop online at Costco Business Delivery for some items, but the selection is smaller.
Real Shopper Stories
People who shop at Costco Business Centers love the unique finds. One shopper said it’s like a “secret Costco” with tons of snacks you can’t get anywhere else, like big cases of Hawaiian chips. Another person who plans parties said they saved hundreds on catering supplies for a wedding. But some shoppers were bummed about no food court or samples, and others said the huge sizes were too much for their small homes. It’s all about knowing what you need!
Conclusion
The Costco Business Center is a special place for anyone who loves big deals on bulk items. Whether you’re a business owner stocking up for your restaurant, a party planner getting ready for a big event, or just someone who wants to save money on food and supplies, this store has something for you. With its unique products, lower prices, and quiet aisles, it’s a smart choice for bulk shopping. Use the tips in this guide, check out the Costco Business Center website, and plan your visit to see why so many people love this hidden gem. Happy shopping at the Costco Business Center!