The Big Mac was the McDonald's menu item that gave the company the branding phrase “Big Mac” in 1968.
McDonald's introduced the Big Mac nationally in the United States in 1968. It became a signature product with two beef patties, a middle bun layer, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and Big Mac sauce. The distinctive name made the sandwich a powerful part of McDonald's product branding.
The sandwich was created by franchisee Jim Delligatti, who operated McDonald's restaurants in the Pittsburgh area. It was designed as a larger, more substantial hamburger for customers seeking a filling menu option.
The Big Mac is sometimes confused with the Quarter Pounder because both are major McDonald's hamburger brands. The Quarter Pounder is defined by the pre-cooking weight of its beef patty, while the Big Mac is identified by its two-patty construction, middle bun, and special sauce.