Cult-favorite McDonald’s ‘sandwich’ The McRib is back at participating locations! But could this be for the last time? While it’s always popular, the pork sandwich has a very on-again-off-again relationship with the fast food giant’s menu.
The McRib made its first appearance in 1981 in Kansas City, Kansas. The sandwich was initially a colossal flop. Its sales were entirely overshadowed by the Chicken McNugget, introduced just 3 years prior. Mike Bullington, the senior archives manager for McDonald’s, said in a 2021 press release the McRib is designed to be “enjoyed during the colder seasons.” The sandwich is also “a local option based on customer demand.” Both of these factors have to lead to spotty availability over the decades.
In 1994 the sandwich was brought back as part of a promotional campaign for the live-action “Flintstones” movie starring John Goodman, Elizabeth Perkins, Rick Moranis, and Rosie O’Donnell. The sandwich proved to be a great marketing tactic, and was such a hit it stayed on the menu through the early 2000s. The pork barbecue sandwich said farewell a second time around in 2005.
But like a phoenix from the ashes, it rose again by 2012 but only for a limited time. The McRib evaded menus for 8 long years before McDonald’s caved once again and brought in back in December 2020. Then once more last November for the sandwich’s 40th anniversary.
Official McDonald’s social media posts say this is the “farewell tour,” leading many to speculate The McRib will not be coming back again. But as you can see you’ve also heard that line before. The McRib, like nature, always finds a way. Check out an old school ad below.
The sandwich is back October 31st-November 20th at participating locations.
