The Big Mac became McDonald's first nationally advertised burger brand in 1968.
McDonald's introduced the Big Mac nationally in 1968 after it had been tested and sold successfully in selected markets. Its distinctive construction used two beef patties, a middle bun layer, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and Big Mac sauce.
The sandwich had been created earlier by Jim Delligatti, a McDonald's franchisee in the Pittsburgh area. Its national rollout turned a regional menu innovation into one of the most recognizable names in fast-food branding.
The Big Mac is sometimes dated to 1967 because that was the year of its Pennsylvania introduction. The separate national-launch date is 1968, making the burger's development and its broader advertising history two different milestones.