McRib: When Does It Come Back?

McDonald's beloved McRib sandwich is back, but not for long. The savory sandwich has been a customer favorite since its debut four decades ago, thanks to its unmistakable flavor of seasoned boneless pork, wrapped in plenty of spicy BBQ sauce. Every November for the past few years, the same news headlines appear as the McRib returns to select locations across the country. The iconic sandwich has been on and off menus for about 40 years and has become an international sensation, appearing in countries such as Germany, New Zealand and France. On this day, the cult favorite McRib sandwich will return to participating venues across the country.

Major media outlets and the entire Internet pick up the story every time the McRib returns, which in turn draws more traffic as sandwich fans flock to try it once again. It's the price of those odd cuts of pork shoulder that play an important role in determining when and how long the McRib stays on the menu. McDonald's gave people a rather cryptic answer the last time people pushed for one, saying that the McRib returns when it wants to or that it returns “based on consumer demand.” The McRib's marketing strategy brings together the appeal of exclusivity, scarcity and seasonality in one tasty package. And if it brings back fond memories of trying the first McRibs in the 1980s, you can also consider it an opportunity to reflect on what you've done with your life. The McRib is a beloved sandwich that has been around for four decades. Every November, McDonald's brings back this savory sandwich to select locations across the country.

The iconic McRib features a seasoned boneless pork burger wrapped in BBQ sauce, then served with shredded onions and dill pickles on a homemade bun. It has become an international sensation appearing in countries such as Germany, New Zealand and France. The rise of the Internet and emergence of social media have solidified McRib's iconic status and given rise to the phrase “McRib season”. Major media outlets and the entire Internet pick up the story every time it returns, drawing more traffic as sandwich fans flock to try it once again. The price of those odd cuts of pork shoulder play an important role in determining when and how long it stays on the menu. McDonald's gave a rather cryptic answer when asked when it will return, saying that it comes back “based on consumer demand”.

The McRib's marketing strategy brings together exclusivity, scarcity and seasonality in one tasty package. It is also an opportunity to reflect on what you've done with your life since trying your first McRibs in the 1980s.

Tristan Gagliardo
Tristan Gagliardo

Proud social media ninja. Bacon expert. Unapologetic gamer. Proud zombie nerd. Freelance pop culture scholar.

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