The beloved McRib returns to McDonald’s this week

McDonald’s is giving away 10,000 of the savory sandwiches this week

Since 1982, the limited-time McRib has been made available during the holiday season across the U.S.

McDonald’s is just full of surprises this year, and the latest will be an unexpected yet arguably welcomed return to a saucy, savory menu item of yesteryear.

The McRib will return Wednesday to the delight of many who have anticipated taking a bite out of one of the fast-food giant’s classic sandwiches. The McRib had not been on the menu nationwide since 2012, according to a news release. The McRib is composed of seasoned boneless pork, doused in smoky, tangy barbecue sauce, and topped with slivered onions and pickles.

“The McRib has been a beloved menu item at McDonald’s since its inception nearly 40 years ago,” Linda VanGosen, vice president of menu innovation, said in a statement. “There’s nothing quite like the taste of the McRib."

McDonald’s is giving away 10,000 free sandwiches in its “Shave 4 McRib Sweepstakes.”

“Beard or no beard, prepare for the McRib with a shave — or even a facial mask — because anyone can participate, from your brother to your mother, sister-in-law or cousin’s roommate,” McDonald’s said in a news release posted Monday.

In a tweet, the company explained why it introduced the promotion.

“Giving them away only IF you shave bc beards + McRib sauce don’t mix. post ur clean-shaven selfie on ur public profile with #shave4mcribsweepstakes and @mcdonalds,” McDonald’s tweeted.

The McRib made its national debut at McDonald’s in 1982, and today it’s one of the most anticipated, limited-time menu items offered around the globe. Fun fact: Customers in Germany are able to enjoy the sandwich year-round.

Inviting the popular menu item back denotes the restaurant chain’s return to many of its locations reopening after having to close due to the coronavirus outbreak. McDonald’s has faced the challenging economic uncertainty that dozens of other food industry giants endured during the last nine months.

Despite that, the popular restaurant chain has introduced a number of new options, including ones involving celebrities. A partnership with rapper Travis Scott brought about the Travis Scott Meal, marketed as the musician’s “favorite meal,” which sold out quickly. The restaurant has a new meal option advertised as the J Balvin Meal, which includes a Big Mac, fries with ketchup and an Oreo McFlurry.

The McRib will make its triumphant return to McDonald’s restaurants Wednesday, so check here for local franchises.