McDonald’s has announced that the McRib is back on the menu for a limited time, and it could be the last time

NEW YORK — McDonald’s McRib is coming back to its menu soon – and it might be the last time.

The fan-favorite menu item will return on Oct. 31 for a limited time, the network said. In a statement, McDonald’s teased that “this may be your last chance to try it” because the chain has confirmed that it will not be sold in the country for some time after this promotion.

“Like any true farewell tour, we hope it’s not ‘goodbye’ but ‘see you again.’ Because, as our McRib residents have experienced time and time again: You never know when — and when — the McRib will come back,” McDonald’s said.

The sandwich is a boneless pork patty shaped like a rib and topped with BBQ sauce and then placed on a bun. Price varies by location and it goes on sale in the fall.

McDonald’s first added the McRib to the menu in Kansas City in 1981. Four years later, the network pulled it from its menu. But in recent years, it has become a cult favorite among McDonald’s fans. It was previously sold regionally before expanding to all US restaurants in 2020.

As part of this so-called “farewell tour,” McDonald’s is selling a “nostalgic line of McRib products” starting Nov. 4 on its online store.

Seasonal products are an important marketing tool for the food industry, according to Alexander Chernev, professor of marketing at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

“When you have these exclusive products that exist for a short period of time, it gives people a reason to come into the store,” he previously told CNN Business. For example, Starbucks customers rave about Pumpkin Spice lattes and festive red cups.

McDonald’s often brings back old menu items, so it’s unlikely that this will be the last time we see (or eat) the McRib. This year, he brought back the cheese danish and bucket for Halloween.