The McDonald's McRib Sandwich Is Coming (Baby) Back In A Big WayFor the first time since 2012, the fast-food chain will release its famed BBQ rib sandwich nationally.

ByJonathan Small

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Mark your calendars. On December 2, McDonald's will be rolling out McRibs across the US.

What's the big McDeal, you ask? The McRib (which consists of a boneless pork patty shaped like a miniature rack of ribs, barbecue sauce, onions, and pickles) is a cult classic among McDonald's fans, a cultural phenomenon, and the subject of countless memes. This is the first time since 2012 that the restaurant chain has released the sandwich nationwide.

Credit: Quickmeme

The news was first leaked by the websiteMcRibGate, which tracks all things McRib and publishes stories on customers' greatest McRib Moments. Editors there got ahold of an internal document McDonald's sent to franchisees about the McRib's imminent arrival.

Related:McDonald's Releases Its First New McNugget Flavor in 40 Years, and Wendy's Cries Fowl

A storied history

The McRib was first introduced in 1982, shortly after the Chicken McNugget made its debut. But unlike the omnipresent McNuggets, the McRib is a limited-release menu item. Each year, often in the fall, McDonald's announces the appearance of McRibs at select franchises. For instance, a quick peek at theMcRib Locatorapp reveals that you can now purchase one in Hamilton, Montana.

But this year is different. As of December 2, the McRib will be available in all 13,000 plus McDonald's franchises across the country.

Good news in a terrible year

The nationwide release this year comes as McDonald's U.S. sales rose nearly 5 percent in its latest quarter,according to CNBC.On the stock market, shares of McDonald's have risen 6 percent so far this year. McDonald's is hoping the buzz around the McRib will help fuel sales in a year that has been challenging, to say the least, for the restaurant industry.

Related:Is Your Local McDonald's Ice Cream Machine Broken? Check the McBroken App

"There's nothing quite like the taste of the McRib. To our customers, it's become more than a delicious, saucy moment… it's a season, and it's taking the internet by storm," said Linda VanGosen, McDonald's vice president of menu innovation, in a statement. "That's why this year, we're proud to serve the McRib nationwide for everyone to enjoy."

But McRib fans better hurry up. McDonald's plans on taking it off the menu on January 15.

Jonathan Small

Entrepreneur Staff

Editor in Chief of Green Entrepreneur

Jonathan Small is editor-in-chief ofGreen Entrepreneur, a vertical from Entrepreneur Media focused on the intersection of sustainability and business. He is also an award-winning journalist, producer, and podcast host of the upcoming True Crime series, Dirty Money, andWrite About Nowpodcasts. Jonathan is the founder ofStrike Fire Productions, a premium podcast production company. He had held editing positions atGlamour,Stuff,Fitness, andTwistMagazines. His stories have appeared inThe New York Times, TV Guide,Cosmo,Details, andGood Housekeeping. Previously, Jonathan served as VP of Content for the GSN (the Game Show Network), where he produced original digital video series.

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