The Big Mac became McDonald's signature burger brand after its 1968 national introduction.
Jim Delligatti, a McDonald's franchisee in the Pittsburgh area, created the sandwich. It used two beef patties, a middle bun section, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and the sauce later strongly associated with the Big Mac. McDonald's introduced the product nationally in 1968 after regional testing.
The sandwich's three-part bun and distinctive ingredient combination gave McDonald's a premium, highly recognizable menu item. Its name also fit the company's playful “Mc” naming style while sounding larger and more substantial than an ordinary hamburger.
The Big Mac is sometimes confused with the Quarter Pounder because both became major McDonald's burger brands. The Quarter Pounder is defined by the pre-cooking weight of its beef patty, while the Big Mac is defined by its layered construction and special sauce. The Big Mac's branding later supported global indexes, collectibles, packaging, and extensive advertising.