I’m thinking the real reason is they want to keep the menu simple and stripped down. If you notice there aren’t as many employees behind the counter. Some items most likely can be more hands on and they want no contact ordered. Also less cleaning involved.

They aren’t offering self serve soda pop (including in vending machines — only bottled water). Only Costco branded bottled water for 25 cents. I would assume there are no soda pop deliveries for both canned and the bagged syrup for the self serve. The picnic table sit down area has been removed and of corse the condiment area, napkin and straw area.

The more simplified the menu with fewer employees means more workers on the floor. By having more workers on the floor Costco can shorten the time for processing customers as well as cleaning areas. This was especially important during the initial days of the pandemic.