The Big Mac was introduced in 1967 and became one of McDonald’s signature branded products.
Jim Delligatti, a McDonald’s franchisee in the Pittsburgh area, created the sandwich after experimenting with a larger burger featuring two beef patties, a middle bun layer, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and special sauce. McDonald’s initially tested it regionally before adding it to the national menu in 1968.
The sandwich’s name is part of its branding power. Unlike a generic hamburger description, “Big Mac” became a distinct product name recognized internationally. Its three-part bun and special sauce also gave it a visual and flavor identity separate from McDonald’s other burgers.
The Big Mac is sometimes mistakenly dated to 1968 because that was its national rollout year. Its original introduction was in 1967, making the two dates refer to different stages of its launch.