The Filet-O-Fish was created in 1962 for McDonald’s customers who did not eat beef.
Franchisee Lou Groen developed the sandwich at his Cincinnati restaurant, which served a largely Catholic community. Many Catholic customers abstained from meat on Fridays, especially during Lent, and the restaurant needed a popular alternative to hamburgers. Groen tested a fish sandwich with a breaded fish fillet, cheese, and tartar sauce.
McDonald’s president Ray Kroc initially preferred a meatless vegetable sandwich, but the Filet-O-Fish sold better in a test. McDonald’s then added it to the national menu. The sandwich became a permanent part of the chain’s identity and is especially associated with Lenten promotions.
The original fish species and cheese can vary by market and period. The stable branding fact is its 1962 origin and its connection to customers seeking a non-beef option.