McDonald’s introduced the Big Mac as a national U.S. menu item in 1968.
The sandwich was created by franchisee Jim Delligatti, who operated McDonald’s restaurants in the Pittsburgh area. It had already been tested locally before McDonald’s expanded it across the United States. Its name, two beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions became closely associated with the company’s identity.
A common mix-up is the introduction date. The Big Mac first appeared in selected markets in 1967, but 1968 is the year generally given for its national U.S. rollout. The sandwich was not McDonald’s first hamburger, but its distinctive two-layer construction made it one of the chain’s most recognizable branded products.
The Big Mac also generated memorable advertising, including the musical “Big Mac” ingredient jingle. That product-focused branding helped turn a menu item into a lasting symbol of McDonald’s worldwide presence.