McRib season begins at thousands of McDonald’s

McRib season is coming early.

The iconic barbecue sandwich is set to return for a limited time this week in more than 10,000 U.S. McDonald’s restaurants, including many in Chicago and its suburbs. To find the closest participating restaurant, enter your ZIP code at www.mcdfinder.com.

The McRib — seasoned boneless pork, barbecue sauce, onions and pickles on a hoagie-style bun — launched in 1981. Last year’s limited run began in late October.

The Chicago-based fast food chain said it created 16 Instagram story GIFs “to allow fans to share their excitement for the season.” To find the McRib GIFs, search Instagram Story’s GIF library with #McRibSZN.

“We’re always listening to our customers and we know the McRib has some of the most loyal fans,” Chad Schafer, senior director of culinary innovation and commercialization at McDonald’s USA, said in a news release. “This year we’re excited to give every McRib fan new ways to show their love for the sandwich with our saucy McRib GIFS so they can celebrate the season no matter where they live.”

McDonald’s also announced it will bring back McCafé Donut Sticks with a new chocolate dipping sauce in November, and it will introduce its first new seasonal drink in more than five years: the Cinnamon Cookie Latte.

Read more at usatoday.com.