Mickey D's announced last week that the McRib is on a "Farewell Tour." On October 31, the item will be sold nationwide for the last time. When fans heard about this, they doubted its veracity.
McDonald's latest attempt to profit on nostalgia and contrived scarcity feels like a Groundhog Day situation, given the restaurant has "gone farewell" to the seasonal item before.
First introduced in 1980, the McRib became a fast-food symbol because it was taken off menus four years later and became seasonal.
Mickey D's announced the first McRib Farewell Tour in 2005, but said the sandwich could return if fans were outspoken. One year later, it was back for a second Farewell Tour.
"There was such a big show of support for the McRib last year that we brought it back," McDonald's regional marketing director remarked in 2006.
"We are pleased to promote the 'McRib Farewell Tour II' and give loyal consumers one last chance to taste the sandwich."
2007: Another McRib Farewell Tour. By the time the boneless BBQ pork sandwich returned in 2010 and 2011, McDonald's had changed its marketing strategy to focus on the item's history.
McRib has topped McDonald's fall menu for the past three years. If anything, its latest comeback feels like a visit.
McDonald's doesn't believe the McRib is going away. Mickey D's announced a Farewell Tour 2022 but left opportunity for change.
"As with any true farewell tour, we hope this is a'see you later.' As our McRib fans know, you never know when—or if—it will return "company release.
McD is ready to indulge your McRib nostalgia this year. McDonald's will offer a limited-edition sandwich art, clothing, and memorabilia collection on November 4 at 11 a.m. ET.
It's possible McDonald's is honest. This year may be the end of the McRib, and we should put it to rest.