Costco's Surprising Bakery Change Has Cake Fans Seeing Red

While families nationwide are celebrating graduations and hosting socially distanced barbecues, there's one less option when it comes to the pre-party Costco run. Costco has stopped all sales of its incredibly popular half-sheet cake, the company has announced. The basic, rectangular sheet cake will no longer be available to customers, who can opt for Costco's round 10-inch cakes instead, according to Delish.

"We are focusing on our smaller 10" White & 10" Chocolate Cakes that seem to be resonating with our members," Costco said in a statement to Delish.

However, members aren't too happy to see the popular half-sheet cake taken off their shopping lists. In a May 29 Facebook post, Costco noted that its half-sheet cakes were not available, either to order or to customize. Hundreds of comments flooded in, and some customers weren't exactly thrilled. Some people even stated that the half-sheet cake was one of the reasons they bought a Costco membership in the first place. "Please bring back the sheet cakes, even if just for preorder," wrote Kristy Murphy. "The round [cakes] are not large enough for larger families." 

The cake, which usually goes for $18.99 and can serve up to 48 people, has provided an affordable dessert option at large gatherings for years (via Taste of Home).

While Costco hasn't discussed the issue at length, COVID-19 is part of the reason. Amidst the Facebook comments, user Alison Kaufman asked one simple question: Why cancel such a popular item? Costco responded directly to Kaufman, stating: "To help limit personal contact and create more space for social distancing, Costco has reduced service in some departments. At this time, we are not making sheet cakes for special order. Thank you for understanding."

It's no secret that the ongoing pandemic has hindered retail activity nationwide. Costco was no exception. As the country rushed to enact stay-at-home orders and social distancing measures, Costco shut down its food court and allocated shopping hours for seniors, according to Business Insider. Meanwhile, Costco employees have been saddled with the task of ensuring that customers adhere to social distancing rules.

Recently, however, Costco has relaxed many of its initial COVID-related restrictions. While social distancing is still mandatory, stores are resuming normal hours, and some have ceased to limit the number of shoppers entering the building (via ABC7).

The cancellation of the popular item though, especially amid the newly relaxed restrictions, may have some Costco members scratching their heads. While the company has canceled the half-sheet cake, it's also started selling other large desserts, like a massive tres leches cake that clocks in at almost three pounds (via Yahoo!), so if you can't get that half-sheet cake you've been planning on, there should be other options.