McDonald's McRib sandwich has been a fan favorite since its debut in 1981. The barbecue-flavored pork sandwich has gained a devoted following, but it's unlikely to ever secure a permanent place on the McDonald's menu. So why is the McRib only available for a limited time?The answer lies in the cost of the pork pieces used to make the McRib. The national supply of these pieces is not too large, so McDonald's has to control costs by only offering the sandwich for a short period of time. This also helps to create excitement and anticipation among fans, who rely on online McRib trackers to locate the limited-edition sandwich. The McRib was first introduced to the McDonald's menu in 1981, following trial marketing the previous year.
It was Roger Mandigo, one of the men credited with helping McDonald's invent its legendary sandwich, who suggested shaping the McRib patty like a slab of ribs, despite the fact that a round burger would have been cheaper to make and serve on standard hamburger buns. The McRib began as a regional favorite after its 1981 debut in Kansas City, Kansas, and launched into international fandom when combined with the promotion of a major film, along with innovations such as the McRib Jr. The elusive creation has come and gone from the network's menus ever since. The price of those odd cuts of pork shoulder plays an important role in determining when and how long the McRib stays on the menu. If it were always available, it wouldn't have the same appeal and excitement every time you went to try it. McDonald's does this for a limited time because it sells so many, which in fact affect the price of pork in the market.
All year round availability of McRib means you pay more for your babies in store. In addition to cost control, McDonald's only maintains the McRib for a short time as a way to get people to come back for it. Some people think McRib is an abomination of 70 ingredients, while others can't get enough of the barbecue pork sandwich. The mystery behind why McDonald's only offers its beloved McRib sandwich for a limited time has been solved. The cost of pork pieces used to make the sandwich, combined with marketing appeal and cost control, are all factors that contribute to its seasonal availability.
