Something saucy is returning to McDonald’s, and fans of the Golden Arches are already buzzing. The iconic McRib — that smoky, tangy, and irresistibly messy favorite — is making its long-awaited comeback for a limited time, marking another chapter in its legendary on-again, off-again run. But when can you finally sink your teeth into this cult favorite again? You’ll have to keep reading to find out.
McDonald’s confirms McRib comeback after online clues surface
The quest to track down the McRib often begins with whispers online, and this year, the first clue surfaced on Reddit. One sharp-eyed user spotted a telltale sign: a promotional poster featuring the elusive sandwich placed alongside other verified McDonald’s items, including the new Chips Ahoy Frappe and upcoming Zootopia 2 Happy Meal toys. Its placement hinted that the McRib had already been folded into the chain’s current marketing lineup, fueling speculation that its return was imminent.
For the McRib’s devoted fanbase, the mystery then became when the nationwide rollout would begin. That answer appeared to arrive courtesy of the fan-run site McRib Locator, a long-standing hub for tracking sightings and insider updates.
The team behind the site reported they “was able to identify that the large scale release will kick off November 11th, 2025!” It’s an early gift for fans, with the post noting, “This timeline matches up with the conclusion of the current Monopoly promotion, and will be about a full month earlier than the start last year.”
According to the site, confidence in this date is unusually strong thanks to trusted internal sources. As they explained, “Several of the contacts I made mentioned that this date was on the in-store planning calendar, so confidence is high on this date.”
Their hunch turned out to be right. Over the weekend, McDonald’s made it official with a press release confirming the McRib’s long-awaited return to U.S. menus on November 11th. “The McRib has become a seasonal sensation, captivating fans with its limited availability, sparking social media buzz, and igniting a flurry of anticipation each time it makes its triumphant return to McDonald’s restaurants,” the company shared.
McRib Season is here: Is your local McDonald’s serving it?
November 11th officially kicks off what fans affectionately call “McRib Season,” when the limited-time sandwich returns to McDonald’s menu. But don’t assume every restaurant will have it: availability is notoriously patchy, which adds to the excitement.
It’s this scarcity that fuels the annual frenzy, with fans tracking sightings across social media and fast-food forums like a nationwide treasure hunt. While November 11th marks the official start, customers are encouraged to double-check local signage or consult the McRib Locator map to see if their nearest Golden Arches will be part of the seasonal rollout.
How McRib became a cult favorite
The McRib was first introduced in 1981 after test runs in select markets, including Kansas City. The restructured, boneless pork sandwich — served on a hoagie-style bun with tangy barbecue sauce, onions, and pickles — quickly stood out for its unique flavor and rib-like shape. The sandwich’s creation is often credited to Chef René Arend, McDonald’s first executive chef, who reportedly developed the idea in response to a chicken-supply shortage following the success of the McNuggets.
Its limited and intermittent availability over the decades has turned the McRib into a true cult favorite. After initially being pulled from the U.S. menu in 1985 due to weak sales, it returned periodically and eventually shifted to a strategy of seasonal, limited-time appearances, which only strengthened its legendary status and heightened fan anticipation.
Each release sparks a flurry of activity on social media and fan sites like McRib Locator, as enthusiasts track sightings and hunt down the elusive sandwich. Over time, the McRib has transcended being just another fast-food item, becoming a seasonal phenomenon that inspires excitement and a nationwide treasure hunt every time it returns.
Sources: The Lima News, Parade