Among the many draws of the Costco food court, the tantalizingly affordable $1.50 hot dog and soda combo and the wallet-friendly $2 pizza slice reign supreme. Yet, beyond the tempting price tags lies a marvel of precision: the uniformly sliced Costco pizza. But how does Costco manage to consistently slice its mammoth 18-inch pies into six identical portions?
While one might assume that achieving such uniformity with a regular pizza cutter is a straightforward task, the reality, as I can attest from my time in a pizza kitchen, is quite the opposite—especially during peak business hours. A single misstep can lead to uneven slices, with some being disappointingly small while others are overly generous. That’s where Costco’s ingenious solution comes into play.
A recent TikTok video unveiled the secret behind Costco’s perfectly sliced pizza: a unique metal tool dubbed the “pizza fence” or “cutting guide.” This hexagonally-shaped device, equipped with three slots running across the diameter of the pizza, is placed atop the freshly baked pie. The slots are precisely sized to accommodate a pizza cutter, allowing the Costco employee to swiftly and accurately slice the pizza into evenly sized portions.
This method ensures that each customer receives a fair share of Costco’s beloved pizza, eliminating the risk of envy or disappointment over unequal slices. And with the affordability of Costco’s offerings, even if you find yourself with a smaller slice, a second helping is easily within reach without breaking the bank.
So, next time you’re indulging in a slice of Costco pizza, take a moment to appreciate the precision behind its uniformity. And if you happen to catch a glimpse of the pizza fence in action during your next Costco visit, you’ll know the secret behind the evenly sliced goodness as you savor your budget-friendly lunch.