The Big Mac introduced the phrase “Big Mac” as the name of McDonald's signature double-decker hamburger.
Franchisee Jim Delligatti created the sandwich in 1967 at a McDonald's near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It used two beef patties, a special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions on a three-part sesame-seed bun.
The Big Mac became nationally available in 1968 and developed into one of the most recognizable product brands in fast food. Its name, distinctive construction, and dedicated advertising made it more than a menu listing: it became a central symbol of McDonald's identity.
The Big Mac is often dated to 1968 because that was its national introduction. The sandwich was created and tested locally in 1967 before the broader rollout.