Who created the Big Mac before McDonald’s introduced it nationwide in 1968?

Jim Delligatti created the Big Mac before McDonald’s introduced it nationwide in 1968.

Delligatti was a McDonald’s franchisee in the Pittsburgh area. He developed the larger, two-patty sandwich because he believed customers would respond to a more substantial menu option. The sandwich was tested in local restaurants before the company adopted it for national distribution.

Its design included a third piece of bun in the middle, which helped support the two patties and gave the product its distinctive height. Special sauce and a consistent set of toppings further separated it from a standard hamburger.

The Big Mac’s history illustrates how franchisees could influence McDonald’s branding and menu identity. The product is often incorrectly credited directly to Ray Kroc, but Kroc led the corporation while Delligatti originated this specific sandwich. McDonald’s later made the Big Mac one of its most recognizable named products.