Just got the news release announcing that the controversial McRib sandwich is coming back to Canadian McDonald’s menus. And it’s a response to fan demand for the pork patty creation! Only in Canada, you say?
The sandwich that wouldn’t die
It’s seems a simple thing at first glance. The McDonald’s website officially describes it thus: “The McRib starts with seasoned boneless pork dipped in a tangy BBQ sauce, topped with slivered onions and tangy pickles, all served on a toasted homestyle bun.”
But this seemingly innocuous combination has engendered more controversy and division within the ranks of McFans than any other menu item. Ever.
A little history
McDonald’s first introduced the the McRib in 1981, after the usual test marketing. Wikipedia encapsulates it’s rollercoaster ride thereafter in one poignant paragraph:
“After poor sales, it was removed from the menu in 1985. It was reintroduced in 1989, staying on the menu until 2005 in many countries. Since 2006, it has generally been made available for a short time each year in most markets where it is sold, typically during the fall season, although it is a permanent menu item at McDonald’s restaurants in Germany and Luxembourg.”
It’s come back several times, both in the US and Canada. Though it’s been 10 years since we last saw it on the north side of the World’s Longest Unguarded Border.
Why now?
“In the last year alone, our team received thousands of inquiries on social media from very passionate Canadian McRib fans asking to bring it back here,” Alyssa Buetikofer, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at McDonald’s Canada, in a statement. “The McRib is truly a fan favourite. It appeals to guests of all ages — from loyal followers who have patiently waited a decade for its return, to our newer fans who have only heard the legend.”
Not the story in the US, though there is a hardcore following there, too. That cadre is just not big enough to justify McDonald’s bringing the McRib there, though.
My take
I love the McRib. I’m just sorry nobody contacted me to add my name to the petition to bring it back! I would have gladly lent my (admittedly questionable) celebrity status to the Cause…
Nevertheless.
I’ve never been able to get my head around the majority mentality in the US that has consistently rejected the McRib as an integral part of the McDonald’s core offering. But mine is not to reason why.
The McRib is back this spring as a limited-time feature sammy. But an official McDonald’s Instagram post hints that we should ‘never say never’ concerning a permanent return of the McRib to the mainstream Canadian McMenu.
Until then..
Canadian McRib fans have been slaking their thirst for the iconic sammy in clandestine ways, for the past decade. Here’s the Big Chef’s Secret: You can get a clone of the McRib pork patty at Canada’s most beloved frozen food purveyor: M&M Food Market. And you can dress it up just like the official McVersion – or any way you prefer!
They’re just $25.00 for 12 pieces. That’s less than $2.10 per hit. Add your own bun and condiments for another couple of bucks – max – and you’re feastin’ for $4.00! Compare that with the official McPrice of $7.22 for just the sandwich, and $11.49 for a combo with fries and a drink.
~ Maggie J.