The iconic McRib is back, but as usual, there’s a catch. McDonald’s fans have eagerly awaited its return, and their pleas have finally been answered.
First introduced in the early 1980s, the McRib is making a comeback at select McDonald’s locations — but it won’t be around for long, and it might be harder to get your hands on than you think.
The McRib’s U.K. Comeback
The McRib is back on the menu at McDonald’s in the UK after not being available for almost ten years. Fans asked for it on social media and in petitions, and now it’s back.
Thomas O’Neill, McDonald’s U.K.’s head of menu, explained that the overwhelming demand from fans heavily influenced the decision to bring back the McRibfans’ overwhelming demand.
In a message to The Independent, O’Neill said, “Our fans have made it clear that they want it back… After almost ten years of waiting, we are excited to bring back this famous menu item.”
However, the McRib’s return to U.K. locations comes with a catch: it will only be available for a limited time. McRib lovers across the pond must act fast to sink their teeth into this saucy sandwich.
Will the McRib Return to U.S. Locations?
While the McRib is making waves in the U.K., fans in the United States are left wondering if and when the sandwich will return to American McDonald’s restaurants. During a June appearance on the Today Show, Joe Erlinger, the president of McDonald’s U.S., hinted that the McRib would make its U.S. comeback “later this year.”
Recently, Springfield News-Leader said a McDonald’s person confirmed the McRib will be back at McDonald’s in the Greater Ozarks on Wednesday, November 27. But McDonald’s headquarters still needs to confirm this to other news outlets, making fans in other areas anxious.
The Topeka Capital-Journal also weighed in, stating that the McRib is expected to appear in Kansas locations during the week of Monday, November 25.
Patrick Manning, marketing supervisor for Lawrence-based Dobski & Associates, confirmed that the McRib will be available in Topeka-area restaurants. Still, McDonald’s corporate has remained tight-lipped about the nationwide return date.
Why the McRib is Such a Big Deal
It’s more than just an ordinary sandwich for those unfamiliar with the McRib. The McRib features a boneless pork patty, which is shaped to look like it has ribs, topped with pickles, onions, and McRib Sauce (a tangy, slightly sweet barbecue-style sauce). It’s all served on a soft homestyle bun.
People really like the McRib because you can’t always get it. It shows up on the menu randomly & without warning, which makes fans excited to try it before it’s gone again. This sneaky marketing tactic has made the McRib really popular among a certain group of people.
The McRib’s History of Limited Availability
The McRib sandwich was added to McDonald’s menu in 1981 but it’s never been a regular item. It comes back every now and then for a short time before going away again. People really like it and want it to stay on the menu for good.
The most recent limited-time appearances of the McRib have been met with huge fanfare. Social media campaigns, fan petitions, and even jokes about the sandwich have kept it relevant in the fast-food world despite its on-again, off-again availability.
How to Get Your Hands on a McRib
If you’re lucky enough to be in an area where the McRib is making a return, you’ll want to act fast. Once it’s back, there’s no guarantee how long it will stick around. And while McDonald’s has yet to announce a nationwide return date for the U.S., keeping an eye on your local McDonald’s and checking social media could be your best bet.
The McRib’s return might be limited to select regions initially, so satisfying your craving may require a bit of patience—or travel. Keep checking for new information from McDonald’s about their highly anticipated return.
Conclusion:
McDonald’s fans who really want the McRib back are happy it’s coming back. The McRib has tasty flavors & makes people remember the past. It’s not just a sandwich, it’s very well-liked. Keep an eye out for it near you and make sure to try it.