Who created the Big Mac, a signature McDonald's branded product introduced in 1967?

Jim Delligatti created the Big Mac, a signature McDonald's product introduced in 1967.

Delligatti was a McDonald's franchisee in the Pittsburgh area who developed a larger sandwich with two beef patties, a middle bun section, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and sauce. The product addressed demand for a more substantial menu item while keeping McDonald's familiar production system.

The Big Mac first appeared in selected locations before becoming a national menu item. Its layered construction and distinctive sauce gave it a separate identity within McDonald's branding, and the sandwich became one of the chain's most recognizable products.

Ray Kroc is sometimes credited because he led McDonald's corporate expansion, but he did not invent the Big Mac. The product's creator was franchisee Jim Delligatti, whose innovation became a defining part of the company's menu identity.