Cheap Eats A Big Draw At Warehouse Stores

Even when Marian Pulliam is in Hawaii, away from her Northern California home, she doesn't have to miss one of her favorite meals: pizza and a swirled vanilla and chocolate yogurt from Costco Wholesale.

Plus, in Hawaii, the Costco food court is outside, and one of the island's hot spots for cheap eats.

"I love it," said Pulliam, who is 75 and retired. "It's better than most pizza places and it's cheap. It's just really good."

McDonald's and other fast-food chains have some stiff competition when it comes to drawing hungry, budget-conscious people on the go. Big-box destinations such as Costco, Ikea and Home Depot are making it easy for customers not just to pick up a new couch, but also grab a bite to eat. Shoppers navigating the crowded parking lot and enormous warehouse, after all, can work up an appetite.

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