The iconic McRib. (Photo: X/ @autumngogogoat)
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- A glitch notification sent to McDonald’s app users in the UK has sparked speculation about the McRib’s return.
- Users noticed a push notification with the file name ‘McRib_Test.notification_16.10.24,’.
- It led many to hope that the iconic sandwich could soon be available again.
A glitch notification sent to McDonald’s app users in the UK has sparked speculations that the iconic McRib sandwich could make a comeback. Users of the app noticed that a push notification was sent which had a glitch, but had the file name ‘McRib_Test.notification_16.10.24,’ which led them to believe the sandwich returning.
The McRib is a sandwich offered by McDonald’s, featuring a pork patty shaped like a rib, topped with barbecue sauce, onions, and pickles, served on a hoagie-style bun. It was first introduced by McDonald’s in 1981 as a limited-time offering. Initially, it struggled to gain popularity and was removed from the menu. However, in the mid-1980s, the sandwich was reintroduced and became a cult favorite, particularly after its 1989 promotional campaign.
The McRib is known for limited periods of availability. It was last available in November 2023, despite McDonald’s previous ‘Farewell Tour’ in 2022, Could it make a comeback again? Social media users think so.
“McDonald’s just let everyone in the UK know the McRib is coming back with a broken test notification 😅” journalist Tom Warren wrote.
“Very clever marketing, @McDonaldsUK A “test” notification that leads to a fake 404 page to make everyone think you messed up and released it early,” one user said.
“Great marketing for the #McRib returnin” said another.
“Someone at @McDonaldsUK has made a whoopsiy! The MCRIB is back!” said one.
Iconic McRib Commercials
A commercial featuring the McRib aired in 1989, promoting its return after 1981. In 2003, the ‘Last McRib’ commercial utilized a mock documentary style and focused on the sandwich’s limited availability. The 2005 ‘You Can’t Take It With You’ campaign showed people enjoying the McRib in different settings. The ‘McRib Nation’ ad aired in 2006 and in 2010, the “Rib Lovers Unite” commercial featured a fictional town filled with McRib enthusiasts.