The Big Mac gave McDonald’s its famous two-story burger name in 1968.
Jim Delligatti, a McDonald’s franchisee in the Pittsburgh area, created the sandwich after observing demand for a larger burger. The product used two beef patties, a middle bun layer, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and sauce. McDonald’s introduced it nationally in 1968 after regional testing.
The Big Mac became more than a menu item: its name became one of the most recognizable product brands in fast food. The sandwich is sometimes confused with the Quarter Pounder because both became major McDonald’s signature products, but the Big Mac is defined by its three-part bun and two-patty construction. Its branding also supported McDonald’s growing reputation for standardized products across locations.