McDonald's introduced the Big Mac sandwich in 1967.
The sandwich was created by Jim Delligatti, a McDonald's franchisee in the Pittsburgh area. He developed a larger hamburger with two beef patties, a middle bun section, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and Big Mac sauce. It was designed to appeal to customers seeking a more substantial meal.
The Big Mac became much more than a menu item. Its distinctive name, layered construction, and memorable advertising made it one of McDonald's most recognizable products. The sandwich also became a recurring reference point in discussions of international prices and purchasing power.
The product was tested regionally before its broader rollout. Another frequently confused detail is the name's origin: the sandwich was not named after a person. McDonald's advertising and packaging made “Big Mac” a durable piece of the company's branding.