McDonald's introduced the Big Mac in 1967, first selling it at a restaurant in Uniontown, Pennsylvania.
The sandwich was created by Jim Delligatti, a McDonald's franchisee who wanted a larger hamburger for customers seeking a more substantial meal. Its defining structure used two beef patties, a middle bun, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and Big Mac sauce. The product later became one of the most recognizable symbols of McDonald's worldwide brand.
The Big Mac was initially tested regionally before being added to the national menu in the United States in 1968. Its distinctive name, layered construction, and memorable advertising helped make it more than a menu item: it became an important part of McDonald's visual and verbal identity.
The year 1967 refers to the first sale, while 1968 refers to its national U.S. rollout. Those dates are often confused when the sandwich's history is summarized.