Much like the festive decorated trees gracing living rooms around the country, McDonald's is once again sprucing things up for the holidays with the much-anticipated return of its iconic McRib sandwich. After much speculation and buildup, the Golden Arches announced on November 20, 2024, the McRib will make its delicious comeback to participating restaurants starting December 3. Just when you thought the joy of the Christmas season couldn't get any sweeter, the McRib's arrival promises to bring even more festive flair to fans who have been craving it.
The excitement surrounding the McRib's return extends beyond just the sandwich itself. Following its announcement, McDonald's is also introducing limited-edition half-gallon jugs of the renowned McRib sauce, earnestly dubbed "A Whole Lotta McRib Sauce." This unique online-only offer goes live on November 25, 2024, at 10 AM ET, priced at $19.99. It’s perfect for dedicated McRib enthusiasts and could make the ultimate stocking stuffer for anyone on your gift list.
“The McRib is more than just a sandwich — it’s part of culture, it’s legendary, and it’s truly an event,” stated Tariq Hassan, McDonald's Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer. With such flair for the dramatic, Hassan proclaimed, "McRib SZN is basically its own holiday. This year, we’re thrilled to embrace this festive spirit and offer fans an extraordinary way to celebrate with our new sauce.”
For those unfamiliar, the McRib is made from seasoned boneless pork shaped to resemble a rack of ribs, complete with slatherings of zesty barbecue sauce, slivered onions, and pickles all tucked within a hoagie-style bun. This beloved sandwich first hit the menu back in 1981, originating from Kansas City, Kansas. It was the brainchild of McDonald's executive chef Rene Arend, who also brought Chicken McNuggets to life. Over the years, the McRib became renowned for its limited availability, often returning for periods, generating buzz every time it makes its appearance.
This new holiday season return follows the 2022 marketing campaign, which humorously dubbed its comeback the “farewell tour,” only for fans to have gained access to the sandwich again just last year. Despite its sporadic availability, the McRib has succeeded immensely, even recently being noted for attracting more online search interest compared to other big fast-food drops. Just to put it all together, from July 2023 to June 2024, the McRib significantly outperformed other discontinued fast-food items, demonstrating the staying power and cult-like adoration it commands among aficionados.
Now, as the company makes strides to recover from recent challenges, including the unfortunate E. coli outbreak tied to onions used on its Quarter Pounders — which sickened over 100 people — McDonald's has taken serious action. They’re investing $100 million to strengthen restaurant sales, with certain safety measures ensuring the quality of food served. Thankfully, the Food and Drug Administration confirmed there's no extended food safety concern related to these issues anymore — all onions have been sourced from new suppliers to maintain the integrity of their menu items.
The upcoming return of the McRib and the jubilant holiday-themed marketing surrounding it seems perfectly timed. For McDonald's, this new approach not only aligns with their seasonal sales strategy but also aids them in regaining traction within disgruntled franchises post-outbreak recovery. “The McRib is not merely about the taste; it’s about the traditions and nostalgia it invokes for so many of our customers,” says Hassan, shaping it as a central link to the holiday spirit — one bite at a time.
This year’s festive offerings represent more than just marketing; they indicate McDonald's drive to reconnect with customers during the holiday season, bringing joy back to the restaurant dining experience. With the jugs of sauce capped at limited availability, fans are encouraged to act quickly before they vanish off the virtual shelves — because you wouldn’t want to miss your chance to bring home the secret to many holiday feasts.
According to the announcement, availability runs through the end of the year or until supplies last. The McRib itself is available for dine-in, takeaway, and via the McDonald’s app, which tantalizes the prospect of indulging on the go — always at your fingertips.
With limited-time excitements like these, it’s no surprise fans are clamoring to spread the word and glean all they can from this festive experience. To partake, customers will need to mark their calendars not just for the McRib's recall but also for the corresponding online sauce sale, ensuring they’re well-stocked for their McDonald’s holiday parties. Who knew food could so perfectly intertwine with seasonal cheer?
For those wishing to indulge without waiting on designer lines or battling shopping crowds, the McRib offers convenience and good cheer straight from your local McDonald's. Whether you’re planning on hosting or simply want the exclusive sauce to try on your recipes at home, this holiday season is bound to spark joy for McRib lovers everywhere.
So, mark the date, prepare those appetites, and ready the recipe options. The McRib and its saucy companion are about to hit the squadron of seasonal favs, and who wouldn't want to say they were part of something so uniquely mouthwatering? After all, the much-loved McRib saga continues, and this December, the fast-food giant is set to add yet another chapter of flavor to your holiday dining.
