The McRib returns to the McDonald’s menu, but it is not available in locations throughout. The rollout is regional, as the pork sandwich isn’t available nationwide, but is just making its return on Tuesday, Oct. 27, in select U.S. cities. Some restaurants will be able to use it immediately, and some won’t stock it at all. Here is what we know: from sources to contents.
The McRib is back for a limited time
McDonald’s announced the McRib will be back on October 27, and it will only be available in a limited run. Over the course of the years, this sandwich has become seasonal and with each revival it attracts a lot of crowd. This time, however, the return doesn’t take place nationwide.
The catch is where you can buy it
Not all McDonald’s restaurants will have the McRib. The chain is implementing it in certain cities and not nationwide, so check availability by city. McDonald’s has not yet set a deadline for the limited edition.
Cities confirmed by McDonald’s
The sandwich will be offered at McDonald’s in Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, Philadelphia and Dallas, McDonald’s said in a statement to USA Today. So far these are the only markets confirmed by the company. Within those cities, it is possible that availability might differ from restaurant to restaurant.
Other markets are getting it too
The rollout is believed to be bigger than that. The sandwich was forecast to drop on Monday, October 26, over the Columbus area in Ohio and the Pittsburgh area. The McRib Locator website also lists shoppers saying that they’ve bought the product in San Antonio, San Diego, Portland and even Bakersfield.
How to check your local restaurant
McDonald’s asks customers to use the McDonald’s app to check if there is one near them that may have the McRib available. The uneven rollout means it is best to check the app before you drive over so you don’t waste the trip.
An earlier return than usual
This year it is a tad different. The McRib returned to some stores in the middle of November 2025. It will be available across the country in late November 2024. It is starting early on the calendar this year, running ahead of its traditional annual appearance, which was in late November.This year’s appearance is later in the calendar than it usually is, running from late November.
What is in the sandwich
This McRib is a pork patty with a rib design, but without anything inside. It is served on a bun with barbecue sauce, pickles and onions. The porcini patty is composed of pork, water, salt, dextrose and rosemary extract, McDonald’s said.
Calories and nutrition facts
McDonald’s nutrition information says that one serving of McRib contains 520 calories. It also has a total of 28 grams of fat, 46 grams of carbohydrates and 24 grams of protein. Those numbers apply only to the sandwich, more will be added for a meal served with fries and a drink.
Who created the McRib
The McRib is credited to McDonald’s executive chef Rene Arend who is also responsible for the Chicken McNugget from 1979. He worked with developments in restructured meat developed by University of Nebraska professor Roger Mandigo. The sandwich was first served in Kansas City, KS in 1981 and was available nationally in 1982.
A long history on and off the menu
The McRib was discontinued from menus in 1985 due to low popularity, re-introduced in 1989, and again on menus until 2005. It was reintroduced, but limitedly, from 2007 through 2012. Every return, since 2014, has taken place in the same short-term period of each year, making each one feel like a major event.
