/images/2023/09/14/woman_using_laptop.jpg)
/images/2019/12/06/smart_strategies_to_save_money_on_car_insurance.jpg)
:format(webp)/images/2025/02/06/sams-club-storefront.jpg)
/authors/amanda-machado-headshot.jpg)
/authors/calista-headrick-headshot.jpg)
Add Us On Google
Sam's Club shoppers already know the warehouse chain is packed with bargains, but some of the best deals are actually hiding near the exit. The Sam's Club food court is still one of the cheapest places to grab a quick lunch, treat the grandkids, or pick up an easy dinner after a shopping trip.
Over the years, regular customers have developed creative ways to customize orders, improve freshness, and get more value from the menu so that they can go out to eat more. While some options depend on location and employee discretion, these are some of the food court hacks shoppers talk about most.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
Turn a pizza pretzel into a mini pizza meal
The pizza pretzel has developed a loyal following among Sam's Club shoppers, and for a good reason. Some members take things a step further by getting a sauce cup, adding crushed red pepper, parmesan packets, or other available seasonings to create a more pizza-like experience.
It is a simple trick that can make an already popular menu item feel a little more substantial for a full lunch or dinner during a shopping trip.
Buy a whole pizza instead of multiple slices
When looking to feed an entire family, purchasing a whole pizza works out better than ordering several individual slices. Not only is the price per serving lower, but you will also receive a freshly baked pie instead of slices that have been sitting out.
For larger households, this hack will stretch food dollars considerably further for your shopping trip.
Ask for your pizza uncut
Did you know that you can request whole pizzas uncut when taking them home? This allows the pizza to retain heat slightly longer during the drive and gives customers the freedom to make larger or smaller slices themselves.
This hack is especially useful when serving children or a crowd with different appetites.
Create a frozen yogurt cookie sundae
Many Sam's Club locations sell cookies near the checkout area or inside the bakery department. You can pair those cookies with frozen yogurt from the food court to create a dessert that feels much more expensive than it actually is.
Breaking warm cookies into frozen yogurt creates a surprisingly indulgent treat.
Pick up dinner on the way out
The Sam's Club food court is the perfect quick meal solution for after shopping, especially with mobile ordering through the Sam's Club app.
Grabbing a whole mobile-ordered hot dog combo or pretzel while leaving the store may eliminate the need to cook after a busy day.
Call ahead for whole pizzas
Many Sam's Club locations allow customers to place large pizza orders in advance. Members who regularly feed family gatherings, sports teams, or community groups can get quicker service and fresher pizzas by calling ahead instead of waiting at the food court.
This approach is a huge time saver and helps ensure your order is ready shortly after you finish shopping.
Use the food court as a road trip meal stop
Rather than stopping at fast-food chains during long drives, some members intentionally plan routes around Sam's Club locations. A quick food court meal can cost a lot less than comparable meals at highway restaurants or getting food and snacks from gas stations.
For retirees who enjoy road trips, this is a great way for your savings to add up over time.
Split frozen yogurt into multiple servings
The frozen yogurt portions at many locations are generous enough for sharing. Couples and grandparents shopping with grandchildren can divide one serving into multiple cups, making an inexpensive treat go even further.
This is one of the easiest hacks to stretch a food court budget and allow everyone to have a taste of dessert.
Shop while waiting for a fresh pizza
Instead of standing around the food court, experienced shoppers sometimes order a whole pizza first and then complete the rest of their shopping while it cooks.
By the time they are ready to check out, dinner is waiting near the exit, saving time and eliminating an extra stop on the way home.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Use a gift card workaround for low-cost food court access
Some Sam's Club shoppers have a lesser-known workaround that may help reduce the barrier to food court access for occasional visits. All you have to do is have a member purchase a Sam's Club gift card, which can then be used for purchases inside the warehouse, including food court items like pizza, pretzels, and fountain drinks.
Once the balance runs out, another card would be required, making it more of a short-term budgeting trick than a long-term solution.
Bottom line
The Sam's Club food court already is a huge money saver for eating out, but many shoppers have discovered small ways to make their orders more enjoyable. Whether it is transforming frozen yogurt into a bakery-inspired dessert or planning ahead for a fresh whole pizza, a little creativity can go a long way.
Another overlooked benefit is convenience. Food court purchases often eliminate the need for a separate lunch stop, helping members save both time and money during routine shopping trips. For households focused on keeping expenses in check, those small savings may add up throughout the year and make a Sam's Club membership worth it.
More from FinanceBuzz:
- 12 ways to pocket up to $300.
- Are you a homeowner? Get a protection plan on all your appliances.
- 10 little weird hacks Costco shoppers should know.
- Learn how to escape the paycheck-to-paycheck grind.
/images/2024/10/17/adobestock_805669930_editorial_use_only_1.jpeg)
/images/2025/01/28/adobestock_628402894_1.jpeg)
/images/2019/12/06/smart_strategies_to_save_money_on_car_insurance.jpg)
/images/2024/09/04/adobestock_669069249_editorial_use_only_1.jpeg)
Intro Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee $0 Why we like it
/images/2024/12/17/wells-fargo-active-cash-12172024.png)
/images/2024/11/07/solitaire-game-1200x628.jpg)
/images/2025/06/13/triumphant_woman_looking_at_computer.jpg)
/images/2025/01/06/person_on_smart_phone.png)
/images/2025/02/04/person_using_card_in_atm.jpg)
/images/2026/07/02/sams-club-store_1.jpg)
/images/2025/12/03/walmart-shopping-cart.png)
/images/2025/09/12/kroger-grocery-store.jpg)
/images/2025/01/02/southern-style-fried-chicken-on-wooden-table.jpeg)
/images/2025/11/06/walmart_template_4_with_chocolate_chip_cookies.jpg)
/images/2026/03/30/family-dollar-store-adobe.jpg)
/images/2021/12/14/home-depot-store.png)
