McDonald's McRib is back again (for now)
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McDonald's McRib is back at restaurants across the nation. Photo: Courtesy of McDonald's
McDonald's iconic barbecue sandwich — the McRib — officially returns to participating restaurants nationwide on Tuesday.
Why it matters: The fast-food giant is bringing back its popular, seasonal sandwich as it looks to drive restaurant sales and speed up recovery from an E. coli outbreak tied to onions served in Quarter Pounders.
The latest: The CDC, FDA and McDonald's said Tuesday that the outbreak is over with the health agencies saying their investigations were closed.
Is the McRib back near me?
Dec. 3 was slated to be the first day the sandwich returned but some restaurants started serving the McRib early.
- The McRib has seasoned boneless pork, tangy barbecue sauce, onions and pickles on a hoagie-style bun.
- Check the McDonald's app to see if the McRib is available near you.
State of play: McDonald's has taken time off from releasing the McRib nationwide over the years.
- The McRib was not available at restaurants nationwide last year, and the chain called 2022 the sandwich's "farewell tour."
- When it returned in 2020, the chain said it was the first time since 2012 that it was available at restaurants nationwide.
How much does the McRib cost?
The McRib's price varies by restaurant location.
- Axios found the McRib for $4.99 at an Atlanta restaurant, $5.49 at a Miami location and $6.89 at a San Francisco McDonald's.
McRib sauce jugs sold out online
For the first time, McDonald's sold half-gallon jugs of McRib sauce called "A Whole Lotta McRib Sauce." They quickly sold out.
- The jugs sold for $19.99 at the special website, Wholelottamcribsauce.com last week with proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
- There were a few listings for the McRib sauce jugs on eBay Monday with prices ranging from under $200 to $1,499.
McDonald's McValue coming in January
McDonald's plans to introduce a new value platform dubbed "McValue" in its U.S. restaurants starting Jan. 7.
- The new value menu will include the $5 meal deal, which has been extended through summer 2025.
- There will also be several buy one, get one for $1, local deals and app offers.
Olive Garden brings back two fan-favorite meals
McDonald's isn't the only chain bringing back fan favorites to drive sales.
- Olive Garden brought back two meals Monday that were cut in 2020 during the early days of the pandemic — the Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo and Stuffed Chicken Marsala.
- The items are permanent additions, Olive Garden told Axios. The meals are served with "never-ending breadsticks and a choice of unlimited, homemade soup or signature house salad when dining in."
Editor's note: This story was updated with health agencies saying Tuesday that the E. coli outbreak is over.
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