The Big Mac was the McDonald’s sandwich introduced in 1967 that became a signature global menu brand.
Franchisee Jim Delligatti created the sandwich in the United States as a larger, more substantial hamburger. It used two beef patties, a middle bun layer, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and the sauce now closely associated with the product.
The sandwich was first sold in the Pittsburgh area before being introduced nationally in the United States in 1968. Its name and stacked design made it especially useful as a recognizable McDonald’s brand symbol.
A common mix-up is dating the Big Mac’s national launch to 1967. The product was introduced regionally in 1967 and reached the full United States system in 1968. The Quarter Pounder, another major McDonald’s brand, debuted earlier, in 1971.