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The McRib Is Back, But Only at Select McDonald's — Here's Where to Find It This scarcity is nothing new. In 2022, McDonald's announced a "Farewell Tour" for the McRib, suggesting that it might be the last time customers could get their hands on it.

By Carl Stoffers Edited by Jessica Thomas

Key Takeaways

  • The McRib is making a 2024 comeback but will only be available at select locations.
  • First introduced in 1981, the McRib has developed a dedicated fanbase over the years, with its periodic returns sparking excitement.
  • McDonald's uses McRib's limited availability to create buzz and drive customer engagement.

McDonald's fans, rejoice — well, sort of. The beloved McRib is making yet another comeback in 2024, but as always, there's a twist that might leave some customers disappointed. Although the iconic sandwich is returning to menus, it will only be available at select locations, making it a bit of a treasure hunt for those who crave the saucy boneless pork sandwich.

Related: Considering franchise ownership? Get started now to find your personalized list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget.

This scarcity is nothing new. In 2022, McDonald's announced a "" for the McRib, suggesting it might be the last time customers could get their hands on it. That marketing move, however, only heightened the McRib's mystique, with fans wondering if McDonald's would retire the sandwich for good. As we've seen, the McRib has once again found its way back to the menu, but the "limited" label means it won't be accessible everywhere.

For U.S. customers, the McRib will be available in select cities, with Topeka, Kansas and , locations selling the McRib in November and continue into January. On the international front, McDonald's has brought the McRib for the first time since 2016, where it's available now for a limited time — although, just like in the U.S., availability may vary by region.

Related: See The 91³ÉÈË 2024 Top Franchise Supplier List

This year's rollout is particularly strategic, as McDonald's continues to play on the sandwich's elusive availability. By creating scarcity, McDonald's generates buzz, drives foot traffic and gets customers to engage with the brand both in-store and online. Many turn to social media to track down the elusive sandwich.

The McRib, known for its cult following, first appeared on McDonald's menus in 1981 and has been a temporary item since leaving the menu in 1985. The sandwich's popularity has even inspired its own online finder, the .

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Carl Stoffers

91³ÉÈË Staff

Senior Business Editor

Carl Stoffers is the Senior Business Editor at 91³ÉÈË, where he covers the franchise industry. Before joining 91³ÉÈË, he was Managing Editor at IPVM and held editorial roles at The New York Times Upfront, The Marshall Project, and the New York Daily News. He holds a Master's in Journalism from Columbia University.

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