The Big Mac was introduced by McDonald's in 1968 and became a major brand symbol.
The sandwich was created by franchisee Jim Delligatti, who operated McDonald's restaurants in the Pittsburgh area. It used two beef patties, a middle bun section, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions, giving it a distinctive structure and identity within the menu.
McDonald's introduced the sandwich nationally after its regional development. Its name, layered construction, and advertising made it one of the company's most recognizable products. The Big Mac later became useful for international comparisons of prices through the informal “Big Mac Index.”
The Big Mac is sometimes confused with the Quarter Pounder, which has a different patty format and history. The Big Mac's defining branding milestone is its 1968 introduction and its role as an instantly recognizable McDonald's product.