McDonald's McRib is coming back. And this time, it's going nationwide.
For the first time in nearly a decade, the fast food chain is making the fan-favorite sandwich available at all of its 14,400 U.S. restaurants when it hits menus on December 2.
In previous years, the McRib was sold at only some locations, which sparked excitement and subsequent long lines — a no-no in this time of social distancing.
Described as "saucy, tangy, tender and shamelessly delicious," the McRib first appeared on menus nearly 40 years ago. The sandwich is a boneless pork patty, shaped like a rack of ribs and smothered in barbecue sauce. The price varies by location.
McDonald's brings back the McRib once a year as a limited-time offering. Seasonal items are an important marketing tool for the food industry, according to Alexander Chernev, a professor of marketing at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.
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"When you have these exclusive products, which exist for a short period of time, it gives people a reason to come to the store," Chernev previously told CNN Business. For example, Starbucks customers get excited about Pumpkin Spice Lattes and holiday red cups.
The McRib news may have been foreshadowed earlier this week, when a McDonald's social media manager tweeted their lament about being pummeled with inquiries about the sandwich, sparking a viral conversation among brands. "It's always 'when is the McRib coming back' and never 'how are you doing person who runs the McDonald's account.'"
it’s always “when is the McRib coming back” and never “how are you doing person who runs the McDonald’s account”
— McDonald's (@McDonalds) October 23, 2020
McDonald's sales have been on the upswing since a dismal spring quarter when coronavirus began spreading across the United States. Sales at US stores open at least a year jumped 4.6% in the third quarter compared with the same period last year, the company said in a regulatory filing earlier this month.
Sales improvements in the US were driven in part by "strong performance" at dinner and new items and stunts, including a Travis Scott Meal and spicy nuggets. This month, it hopes to replicate the success with a J. Balvin meal and new McCafé baked goods.
McDonald's releases third-quarter results on November 9.
RELATED: Six ways to make candy corn better, even if it is not your thing
Six ways to make candy corn better, even if it is not your thing
Candy corn and cashews
This simple combination combines sweet and salty in a delicious way. Easy and delightful.
Candy corn Rice Krispie treats
Add candy corn to an all-time favorite. Chop your candy corn or leave it whole while adding it to the original Rice Krispie treats recipe.
Deep fried candy corn
When it doubt, deep fry. Likely not the healthiest option, but we are talking about candy corn here. Check out the recipe and instructions.
Candy corn cobs
Want to make your candy corn even sweeter? Try this recipe from Delish for candy corn cobs.
Candy corn in Chex mix or trail mix
Add candy corn to either Chex mix or trail mix to add some sweetness to these traditional favorites. Use candy corn to replace other candy in trail mix. For an extra sugar boost, add chocolate covered pretzels. For Chex mix with candy corn, check out this recipe.
Candy corn in the garbage
Despite these serving suggestions, some will argue there is no way to dress up this holiday candy. So, if you loathe this holiday treat and find some in your home, combining it with your trash can might be the best idea.
CNN Business' Danielle Wiener-Bronner contributed to this report
