The food court is almost always gated off from the entrance so you only get to it after getting through the check out where I am. The one exception is the one just down the street that has rhe food court outside. Don't even need a membership to get the hotdog combo at that one, and it's easier to get it before even going inside to shop.

They also are well known for the free samples. You don't need a hotdog and a pizza if you're just hitting up all the sample stands. Basically get free lunch just shopping at Costco on a Saturday or Sunday. 🤷‍♂️