McDonald's is bringing back its fan-favorite McRib in time for the holidays — even creating a jingle to generate hype for its return.
Before the iconic menu item hit the stores December 3, the fast-food giant unveiled the original McRib soundtrack titled "It Could Only Mean One Thing (McRib Is Here)" through an Instagram post.
With lyrics like "There's a feeling of goodwill around town, it could only mean one thing... McRib is here," it gives fans of the sandwich an anthem to sing along to as they wait for it to hit restaurants.
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With weeks of anticipation, the wait is officially over as the McRib finally lands in select stores in the U.S. today.
"The wait is finally over. Starting Dec. 3, for a limited time, your favorite saucy sandwich — the McRib — returns to participating restaurants just in time to satisfy your holiday cravings. After all, 'tis the season…McRib SZN, that is," the company wrote in a press release.
Since 2006, McDonald's has used the McRib as a seasonal menu item, only making the sandwich available at certain times throughout the year.
Seasonal offerings are an excellent marketing strategy that drives audience hype, drumming up anticipation surrounding a product.
Gimme the Sauce!
The fast-food giant also gave fans of the McRib sauce a chance to snag a jug of it ahead of its drop.
Last November 25, McDonald's launched a dedicated website where McRib sauce fans can purchase "A Whole Lotta McRib Sauce" — a half-gallon jug perfect for holiday parties, recipes, and more.
McDonald's CMO Tariq Hassan shared his thoughts on the initiative, saying the McRib is more than a sandwich, as it is also "a part of culture, it's a legend, it's an event."
McDonald's knows what its fans want and quickly delivers with a fail-safe brand marketing strategy sure to bring on the hype this holiday season.
To add to the festivities, McDonald's is also launching a brand-new stop-motion animated spot inspired by Christmas classics.
"McRib Season Is Here" features the holly and jolly McRib holiday anthem, which plays over a cute visual tale celebrating the sandwich's return.
Initially teased on the brand's social media channels, the commercial will debut in the coming weeks leading up to the launch.
Building social media hype is a great way to increase consumers' anticipation for a product launch, or in this case, the return of a beloved menu item.
Back in October, McDonald's U.K. teamed up with Leo Burnett to tease the McRib's return to the region.