Lisa
A SmarterHomeCooking.com colleague was bubbling over about their recent trip to a Costco Business Center. Honestly? I was half-listening at first. I'm a huge fan. I already have a Costco membership, and my warehouse is always packed. Great deals, sure, but also endless crowds. So what’s the big deal?
Then he mentioned that the Costco Business Center is nothing like a regular Costco: same amazing prices, but totally different products. Think restaurant-supply warehouse. And—wait for it—no crowds. Now he had my full attention.
If you’re a home cook, you probably think you already know what Costco has to offer: bulk groceries, endless toilet paper, and maybe a few too many samples of frozen pizza bites. But the Costco Business Center is a completely different world, and it might just be the secret weapon you never knew you needed. From products you won’t find in a regular warehouse to perks that make shopping easier and faster, here’s why home cooks should pay attention.
Membership: Can Anyone Go?
One of my first questions: “Do I even qualify to shop there if I’m not running a restaurant or small business?” The answer is yes! Your regular Costco membership works at Business Centers. There are no special credentials required.
At the time of this post, Costco operates 626 warehouses in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico), and there are at least 27 Costco Business Centers. I even discovered one about eight miles from me that I didn’t know existed. (Check the Costco locator for one near you)
Products: What Makes Business Centers Different
Here’s where things get exciting: about 70% of what’s sold at a Costco Business Center isn’t available at your regular Costco warehouse. That means entirely new possibilities for home cooks who want to think bigger, prep smarter, or experiment in the kitchen.
Restaurant-scale supplies
You don’t have to be running a bistro to benefit from commercial-grade gear. Think oversized stockpots, sheet pans, and food-service equipment that can take your weekend chili batch or cookie marathon to the next level. For serious home cooks or anyone who loves entertaining, these tools can help you cook like a pro without paying restaurant-supply-store prices.
Resale-ready goods
Individually wrapped snacks, candy, and drinks aren’t just for convenience stores. They’re a lifesaver for parents packing endless school lunches, hosts filling party favor bags, or anyone stocking a home snack station. Buying them in bulk at Business Center prices means more variety and fewer last-minute runs to the grocery store.
Groceries in bulk
Sure, you’ll find meats, produce, and pantry staples at regular Costco. But at a Business Center, the quantities are even more geared toward feeding a crowd. Whole briskets, larger cases of fresh veggies, and pantry items in extra-large formats are perfect if you’re meal prepping, cooking for family gatherings, or hosting block parties. Bulk produce and proteins also make it easier (and cheaper) to prep freezer meals ahead of time.
Big orders welcome
Planning a graduation party, hosting the neighborhood BBQ, or filling the freezer for back-to-school season? Costco Business Centers let you order in true bulk; from truckloads to pallet-size deliveries. Even if you don’t need a pallet of soda, knowing you can scale up your orders makes it easier to plan stress-free gatherings.
What you won’t find
It’s worth noting that you won’t see gas stations, liquor stores, free samples, or the fun extras like clothes, toys, books, or jewelry at a Business Center. That means your trip is focused purely on food and kitchen essentials. You’ll need your regular Costco run for those items.
Perks: Why You Might Want to Check One Out
Early hours
Business Centers open at 7 a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays (8 a.m. on Sundays). That’s much earlier than regular warehouses. For home cooks who like to shop and prep before the day gets busy, this is gold. Imagine grabbing your produce, meats, and pantry items before the weekend rush, then spending the rest of the day cooking, marinating, or portioning meals.
Fewer crowds
If you’ve ever navigated a jam-packed Costco with a cart full of bulk goods, you know it can feel like a contact sport. A few years ago, my foot was run over by a rude Costco shopper. I had to abandon my very full cart and head to the ER for 5 stitches. Lesson learned. Don’t wear sandals to Costco. Business Centers are far calmer. That makes it easier to browse, discover new ingredients, and actually enjoy the shopping experience. For home cooks who love exploring, this is like a playground without the long checkout lines.
Exclusive savings events
Special savings events at Business Centers are planned in advance and previewed online two weeks ahead. This means you can plan your big shop around sales on pantry staples, freezer proteins, or cooking equipment. For budget-conscious home cooks, this is a smart way to maximize savings without impulse spending.
Dedicated website
Yes, Business Centers have their own dedicated website. That means you can preview products that aren’t even on your regular Costco’s radar. It’s a great way to plan ahead; whether you’re stocking up for a holiday meal plan, mapping out your weekly prep, or just curious about what else is out there.
The Numbers: How Many People Shop at Costco?
Curiosity got the best of me. How many people actually go to Costco each year? While official numbers aren’t public, estimates suggest Costco sees between 1.05 and 1.65 billion visits annually in the U.S. alone.
Regular warehouses: 1.0–1.6 billion visits per year
Business Centers: 24–40 million visits per year
To put that in perspective, the combined annual attendance for the top 10 U.S. theme parks (including the Magic Kingdom, Disneyland, EPCOT, Universal Studios, and others) is about 110 million. In other words, Costco (yes, Costco!) pulls in ten times the visitors of Disney and Universal combined.
If you’re a Costco fan who dreads the crowds or just loves the thrill of discovering new bulk finds, a Costco Business Center might be your new favorite spot.
At the end of the day, Costco Business Centers aren’t just for restaurants or convenience stores. They’re a hidden gem for home cooks who want to shop smarter, stretch their budgets, and keep their kitchens stocked like a pro. Whether you’re prepping for a week of family meals, stocking up for a big party, or just curious about what else is out there, stepping into a Business Center could change the way you cook (and shop) at home.
