The Big Mac, introduced in 1968, became one of McDonald's most recognizable branded menu products.
The sandwich was created by Jim Delligatti, a McDonald's franchisee who operated restaurants in the Pittsburgh area. It used two beef patties, a middle bun section, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and a special sauce. McDonald's introduced it nationally in 1968 after regional testing.
The Big Mac became more than a menu item. Its name, distinctive three-part bun, and dedicated advertising made it a major part of McDonald's product branding. The sandwich's special sauce and layered appearance also helped distinguish it from ordinary hamburgers.
The Big Mac is sometimes confused with the Quarter Pounder because both are flagship McDonald's hamburgers. The Quarter Pounder is defined by its beef-patty weight before cooking, while the Big Mac is defined by its stacked construction and middle bun.