The Big Mac gave McDonald’s its best-known two-word burger name when it was introduced in 1967.
The sandwich was created by Jim Delligatti, a McDonald’s franchisee who operated restaurants in the Pittsburgh area. It used two beef patties, a middle layer of bread, cheese, lettuce, pickles, onions, and sauce. Its distinctive stacked construction made it visually memorable and helped turn the product name into a major part of McDonald’s brand language.
The Big Mac first appeared regionally before becoming a national menu item in the United States. Its name was selected after other proposed names were considered, and it became one of the chain’s most recognizable product brands.
The Big Mac is often confused with the Quarter Pounder because both became flagship McDonald’s burgers. They differ in construction and naming: the Big Mac is defined by its two patties and middle bun layer, while the Quarter Pounder is named for the pre-cooking weight of its beef patty.