Burger King's Pork Ribs Are Flying

By José Ralat Maldonado Tue., Jun. 15 2010 at 9:00 AM

Categories: Food News

Pigs aren't exactly flying out of The King's empire, but one part of arguably everyone's favorite farm animal is--ribs. On June 11, the Wall Street Journal reported that Burger King Corp's 100 percent bone-in pork BK Fire-Grilled Ribs were so popular that the short-term special, which began May 17, was at risk of selling out nationally before the end of the promotion on June 20. By last week, the company reported in a press release, it has sold more than 10 million in the United States and called it a "runaway hit."

How is this playing out in Texas--specifically Dallas--where BBQ is held esteem usually reserved for religious figures like Mother Theresa, in a land where beef is the preferred vehicle of smoking and sauce? The managers of two Dallas Burger King franchises said their restaurants have "totally sold out," but would give no further information.

City of Ate reached out to Burger King Corp's office of media relations at the company's Miami headquarters. A Burger King spokesperson said, "We have been extremely pleased with how our guests have enjoyed our fall-off-the-bone ribs and they've purchased it beyond our expectations." They expect to sell out of the ribs within the week. Asked specifically about the Dallas area's performance, the spokesperson couldn't specify the quantities parsed out to individual markets. However, the two stores mentioned above do indicate the ribs have reached edible collector's item status.

For those interested in trying (and hunting) Burger King's non-beef item, the price-point rundown for the elusive ribs is: three pieces for a suggested retail price of $2.99 and six pieces a suggested retail price of $5.69. A mega-sized option also exists. It includes eight pieces at a suggested retail price of $7.19, making it the most expensive item at the home of the Whopper. All come with a side of BBQ dipping sauce.

Good luck finding any.