Shake Shack Unveils Smoky BBQ Rib Sandwich for Summer Menu

The fast-casual favorite has added a BBQ Boneless Baby Back Rib Sandwich to its summer menu, which has instantly drawn comparisons to McDonald's infamous on-again, off-again pork sandwich.

But while the McRib has long been mocked by critics as a processed 'mystery meat' cult classic, Shake Shack says its $12.99 version is made with 100 percent baby back pork ribs, hand-deboned and slow-cooked for nine hours.

The sandwich is topped with American cheese, bacon, pickles and crispy onions.

John Karangis, executive chef and vice president of culinary innovation at Shake Shack, told the Daily Mail that the burger giant took inspiration from classic backyard cookouts.

'From slow-cooked ribs to classic, comforting sides, we wanted to capture the full BBQ experience in a way that feels true to our approach to food,' he said.

McDonald's first introduced its rib-inspired sandwich in the 1980s - the McRib was a boneless pork patty sandwich smothered in BBQ sauce, pickles and onions.

For customers that have already tried Shake Shack's version, there's no comparison.

One Reddit user who claimed to have eaten the sandwich at a test market location said the new addition is 'pretty good, especially compared to mystery meat McRib.'

'First the Big Mac and now this,' another Reddit user wrote. 'I'm not mad about it, but Shake Shack shouldn't have to mimic McDonald's because it is miles better and arguably the best fast casual burger.'

Some customers loved McDonald's McRib, others hated it. Because of sliding sales, the item was pulled from menus within the first few years. Since then, the McRib has popped up a few other times in McDonald's history.

In 2003, McDonald's reintroduced its cult classic with a mini version dubbed the McRib Jr. In 2022, the franchise included the sandwich in its limited-time 'Farewell Tour' promotion. The last time the sandwich was appeared, it cost between $3.99 and $7.99.

Last year, McDonald's was hit with a class action lawsuit because of its sandwich. The McRib, according to the suit, is said to contain lower-quality cuts of pork including pork shoulder, heart, tripe, and scalded stomach.

Now, the McRib is noticeably missing from McDonald's menu.

Meanwhile, Shake Shack is introducing other BBQ-inspired items alongside its rib sandwich. That includes a BBQ chicken sandwich and spicy fries with ranch.

'Whether you're a BBQ enthusiast or just looking for your new favorite summer meal, the Smoky BBQ menu has something for everyone,' the company said.

Shake Shack also added a new side to its summer menu - Mac & Cheese made with cheddar and American cheese sauce, topped with toasted breadcrumbs.

The brand said that because it's a classic BBQ side, this felt like a 'natural extension' of its summer experience.

'It helps round out the meal in a way that feels comforting and indulgent,' Karangis added.

Shake Shack first opened in 2001 as a hot dog cart in New York City. It's since grown to be one of the country's most beloved burger chains with over 425 US locations.

Hot dogs are still offered at the Shake Shack - but the chain has since expanded its menu to include chicken sandwiches, grilled cheese, chicken bites and other fast-casual staples.