Category Archives: Messages from Alan

McRib Release Delayed?

As originally pointed out at Advertising Age and rebroadcasted at The Huffington Post an other news sources, it appears the 2012 McRib release has been pushed off into the later part of December.

While our earlier reports hinted at a earlier than normal release, holding back inventory is not out of the picture. While the McRib patty itself is easy enough to store in the freezer, one has to wonder how the McRib bun production will shake down as the bun is not as easily stored.

Although the delay is a bummer, at least now we can encourage that the McRib be left out for Santa instead of cookies, and/or you can break in the New Year with a McRib BBQ laced lip exchange with your significant other.

If you find a McRib, please mark your sighting at McRibLocator.com and be sure to send us a photo of your receipt showing the purchase so that we may mark it as confirmed.

McRib Update August 24, 2012

I recently received great news from Stephen (our tipster from last year) that McRib production is again under way. The timing is about one month earlier than last year, and as the McRib did not hit stores until October last year, it is within reason that a September release for the McRib is possible.

While you await the McRib’s return, please make sure to visit our 2012 McRib Excitement Poll and let us know how excited you are for the return of the McRib.

If you find a McRib, please mark your sighting at McRibLocator.com and be sure to send us a photo of your receipt showing the purchase so that we may mark it as confirmed.

McRib arrives in Australia for very Limited Time

The McRib’s world tour continues with an appearance in Australia. As part of a 2012 Olympics campaign, McDonalds Australia has decided to offer up the “Atlanta Pork McRib” to symbolize the previous Atlanta Summer Games. While this is indeed exciting news for folks “down under”, this is a very limited time opportunity, only 2 weeks!

2012 Olympics Campaign

Facebook follower Curtis D tipped us off the the availability and provides the following cell phone snapshot from a McDonalds that he visited.


You can view the other 2012 Olympics themed offerings at http://mcdonalds.com.au/.

While the McRib Locator map does default the focus of the map to the United States, it is certainly possible to report a sighting globally.  If you find a McRib anywhere globally, please make sure to report it on the McRib Locator so die hard fans know where they need to go to get their fix.

If you have any photos of the McRib in Australia, please share them with us by emailing photos@mcriblocator.com.

McRib Poster in Spain

We recently discussed the availability of the McRib in Spain. As an update to this development,  Estela Alonso Fraga offers a picture of a McRib poster found at one of the McDonalds in Spain.

Image submitted by estela alonso fraga

While the McRib Locator map does default the focus of the map to the United States, it is certainly possible to report a sighting globally.  If you find a McRib anywhere globally, please make sure to report it on the McRib Locator so die hard fans know where they need to go to get their fix.

 

McRib International News

While the last sales of the McRib in the United States were somewhere between February 13th and 15th, that has not resulted in a lack of availability of the McRib globally.

On February 20th I was informed that the McRib has shown up on McDonalds menu’s in Spain. I was also informed they will be there through April 16th (thanks @M1Q3). Upon review of the McDonald’s site for Spain, I indeed was able to confirm they have them. In the ad on the webpage, they ask readers to run to your nearest restaurant and get one. The map shown is an interesting play on a location map showing where the nearest McDonalds is. Perhaps a nod to a certain locator website?



In other related news, a McRib spinoff has been reported in Austria. The McRibster has gathered the headlines from various news sources such as Time http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/03/01/oh-yes-its-real-mcdonalds-austria-introduces-deep-fried-mcrib/. A deep fried McRib patty with bacon and pepper jack cheese does hold an appeal to me, however I can’t see it replacing our “original” variety here. This isn’t the first spinoff, Japan late last year also offered a different take on the pork sandwich.

2011 – 2012 McRib Production Volume

I recently received a newsletter from a friend in the know (thanks Stephen!) highlighting the production of the McRib patty at Lopez Foods (see earlier related post). The highlights are that in 25 days of production, over 8 MILLION pounds of McRib patties were produced! The newsletter also offers a glimpse into the McRib production as there are images offered from within the facility. In contrast, McDonalds sells 9 MILLION pounds of french fries PER DAY (src: http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com/mcd/student_zone/FAQs.html)

Below is the redacted newsletter (last names of employees have been redacted).