Burger King McRib: What Did BK Release To Compete With McDonald's Favorite?

McDonald's seasonal McRib sandwich, a shaped meat patty doused in barbecue sauce on a long roll, will be getting a competitor. Burger King announced that on May 21, the BK Rib Sandwich will be available nationwide.

The BK Rib Sandwich will be similar to the McRib, featuring a boneless patty, "tangy" sauce, and pickles. Anxious burger lovers will be glad to find out that Burger King will also bring back their popular sandwiches from last year's summer menu, including the Memphis Pulled Pork, and the Carolina BBQ Burger.

Eric Hirschhorn, an executive at Burger King, told USA Today that times have changed from the days when a simple whopper with cheese could satisfy the populous. "It's not just about beef anymore...our guests have grown to look for a variety of options."

Ronald McDonald's main rival will also bring back the sweet potato fries to complement the white potato fries and onion rings that come standard on the menu.

In response to the news of a McRib rivalry, McDonalds replied via spokeswoman Danya Proud that "We know our customers love McRib, and we won't disappoint them," she said, hinting that her company was not worried about increased competition.

One thing McDonald's is dropping is their line of Angus burgers. Seemingly a way to complete with full-service fast food rival Hardees, known in the West as Carl's, Jr., it looks like the Thickburger will remain the king of the 1/3 pound giants.

The Rocky Mount, N.C.-based Hardees, like McDonald's and Burger King, has often changed their menu to add new burgers here and there, including the recent Jim Beam Whiskey BBQ Thickburger and a premium fish sandwich featuring grilled cod instead of the customary fried Pollock common elsewhere.

However, unlike McDonald's and Burger King, Hardee's coverage of the country is prominently missing across many of the most densely populated areas, such as New York City, where the other two chains are ubiquitous to nearly every subway stop. New Yorkers and those in New England looking for their Thickburger fix must venture either deep into Dutch Country to Myerstown, Pa., or trek as far south as Hardees' newest Blue Hen State location in Glasgow, Del., near Wilmington.

No word yet on whether the southern chain will bring back their noticeably absent peach milkshakes, an intermittent summer staple among Hardees customers.