The Vergecast Solo Acts: McRib Locator's Alan Klein
Feb 27, 2023
Alan Klein, the mastermind behind the McRib Locator, shares insights into his crowdsourced platform for tracking the beloved McDonald's McRib sandwich. He reveals what motivated him to launch this nostalgic tool in 2009 and discusses the valuable data he's gathered. The conversation also touches on the sandwich's global journey, its cultural significance, and how the McRib's mysterious availability has created a passionate community. Klein reflects on the site's future amid the McRib's rumored farewell tour and the challenges of sustaining fan excitement.
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First McRib
- Alan Klein's first McRib experience was surreal.
- After taking hogs to market, he ate a McRib, realizing the farm-to-table connection.
McRib Joy
- The McRib's appeal goes beyond the sandwich itself.
- Klein finds motivation in helping the McRib community.
Origin Story
- Klein initially designed the McRib Locator as a storm chaser tool.
- The idea evolved when he and his colleagues discussed the difficulty of finding McRibs.