The Big Mac, introduced in 1967, became one of McDonald’s major global branded menu items.
Franchisee Jim Delligatti created the sandwich in the United States as a larger, two-beef-patty alternative. It used a three-part sesame-seed bun, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions, giving it a distinctive identity within the McDonald’s menu.
The sandwich was first sold in the Pittsburgh area before becoming widely available across the United States. Its name and recipe became central to McDonald’s advertising and international brand recognition.
The Big Mac is often confused with the Quarter Pounder because both are signature beef sandwiches. The Quarter Pounder is defined by its beef-patty size, while the Big Mac is defined by its stacked format and special sauce.