Posted on 10/08/2021 8:16:01 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Can a limited-time only sandwich have a midlife crisis?
Last week, Nirvana's Nevermind album celebrated its 30th anniversary, a milestone that left many fans feeling especially old. But today, McDonald's made an announcement that could leave those of a certain age feeling like they have one foot in the grave: Not only is the McRib coming back… it's celebrating its big 4-0.
Yes, the iconic McRib was first launched in Kansas City, Kansas, forty year ago in 1981, a time when fast food limited-time only items still felt novel. To make '80s' kids feel even older, McDonald's goes so far as to label the McRib "a true 80's baby." Oh jeez.
Over the decades, the McRib has had many moments of fame — including being tied to the launch of The Flintstones movie in 1994 and being parodied by The Simpsons in 2003. It's even been exported to Germany, New Zealand, and France. And eventually, as McDonald's puts it, "The internet boom and emergence of social media solidified the McRib's icon status." Or to put it another way, the McRib foreshadowed a future of buzzworthy LTOs, and the world finally caught up.
"In the 80s, the masterminds behind McDonald's food innovation had a truly unique idea: an undeniably delicious sandwich that could be enjoyed during the colder seasons," Mike Bullington, McDonald's senior archives manager (yes, that's a job), stated. "Whether you're a McRib loyalist or first timer, there is no denying that the McRib is one of the most iconic sandwiches of the last four decades and we have thousands of emails and tweets from fans to prove it."
So when and where can you celebrate this momentous occasion? The McRib will officially return to participating restaurants nationwide on November 1… for a limited time only, of course. I guess now you can consider it a chance to taste a piece of history. And if it brings back fond memories of trying the first McRibs back in the 1980s, you can also consider it a chance to reflect on what you've done with your life.
Haven’t thought about that sandwich in years. But you’re right - it was deeelish!
Thanks for the happy memory.
I’m partial to White Castles myself...
6 sliders, order of fries, large orange drink...that was my lunch every day when I was in Jr High in a St Louis suburb.
Processed meat paste in a rib molding.
To each his own, I guess.
Don’t get me started on Taco Bell’s Bell Beefer!
I’m going to have to try one of those. They must be really good because these people go kookoo over them. Makes me wonder what the real ingredients are.
And in the 80s-90s you could have it with a Parkbrau Pils.
Wow. 40 years ago I was a vendor to the Kraft plant in Garland TX. You could always tell when they made their BBQ sauce - from down the street!
And they made the sauces for McDonalds.
And they would have made the McRib sauce ...
I was told a couple of years ago that McDonalds only makes the McRib when pork prices are low, very low.
Would make sense that Germany would have it year around.
It comes from the same mold they make everything else at McDonalds out of.
Surprised the Muzzies there haven't gotten them banned.
46(?) years ago they had a steak sandwich that I used to get with onion nuggets and the salad bar.
Remember when the limited time shake specials started? To this day I stop once around my birthday to get fish sandwiches with a shamrock shake. Its really just become a ritual to celebrate memories.
I think the Popeyes chicken is vile, I dont know why some people make a big deal out of it. There must be a lot of people that like it though. When they recently opened the first one around here there were lines of cars 2 blocks long to get one.
The Zombie McRib. I can’t count how many times I’ve read “It’s baaaaaack!”
I think that’s why i like it. Mystery meat. I can’t wait. Hopefully that’s where I’ll get my birthday lunch!
The good news is that the 40 year old McRib is back. The bad news is that the “meat” in the McRib is 40 years old.
Me too, guilty pleasure. I always get one when they roll back around then I don’t need another till the next time they’re available. I like to put fries on them, soakes up some of the sauce and tastes grossly great.
“Don’t get me started on Taco Bell’s Bell Beefer!”
Del Taco has their version available year round, but off menu. The Bun Taco.
Sweet, a whole new set of brawls to youtube
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