At least a year ago.

And folks are still snarfing them down by the gazillion around here in So Cal.

Here's some info from a blog entry about the change:

"The cost of the $1.50 hot dog special has not risen since its inception in 1985.

- The original $1.50 combo price was based on a 12-ounce can of soda. Today, it's a 20-ounce fountain drink with free refills.

- In 2008, Costco sold more than 82 million hot dogs.

- In 2009, they expect to sell more than 90 million.

- In 2007, one of their two kosher hot dog suppliers quit the kosher meat business. Another kosher raw-ingredient supplier closed down. There was a decrease in supply.

On this note comes the bombshell: Costco decided to develop their own dog.

The new Kirkland dog is "10 percent heavier and longer than the old," made with "100% beef with only fresh USDA Choice or better cuts" and "without fillers, binder, phosphates, corn syrup, artificial color and artificial flavors".

Though my local Costco still seems to tout their Hebrew Nationals, I don't think I would've noticed even if they made the switch. And if I get 10% more for my $1.50, even better."