The Big Mac, introduced in 1967, became a major part of McDonald's visual identity.
Jim Delligatti, a McDonald's franchisee, created the sandwich as a larger alternative to the company's standard hamburgers. It used two beef patties, a middle bun layer, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions. The distinctive three-part bun and stacked appearance made it visually recognizable in menus and advertising.
The Big Mac began in the United States in 1967 and was added to the national menu in 1968. That distinction matters: the earlier year refers to its initial introduction, while the later year marks broader national availability.
The sandwich is sometimes confused with the Quarter Pounder because both became signature McDonald's products. The Quarter Pounder is identified by its quarter-pound beef patty before cooking, while the Big Mac is defined by its layered construction and special sauce.