McDonald’s doesn’t often mess around with signature menu items. The Big Mac and Quarter Pounder don’t change. I’d have put the McRib among the iconic untouchables except McDonald’s just messed with it.
Joining the menu today at McDonald’s restaurants across Austria is the McRibster, a snazzier version of the classic sandwich. McDonald’s describes the McRibster as “juicy pork, bacon, pepper-Jack cheese, and crunchy iceberg lettuce, red onion, delicious honey-mustard sauce and spicy sweet chili sauce.”
It looks good but it looks more like a pork tenderloin sandwich with its breaded and fried pork patty than like a McRib with its fabulous greasiness. And pepper-Jack cheese? Will McRib fanatics appreciate the makeover?
The McRibster is part of an LTO menu in Austria that includes the new Crispy Caesar Chickn sandwich and the return of the popular 1955 Burger, introduced there last year.
Don’t panic. McDonald’s isn’t giving up on the original McRib with barbecue sauce, of course. It’s back on the menu in Spain as limited-time treat right now. A TV spot promoting the sandwich there is noteworthy for never showing the McRib. It’s all Jason Mraz-style ukele and warm feelings. Watch it here. And the word in Australia is that McDonald’s finally will take the classic McRib down under as a promotional item this year during the London Summer Olympics.