Who created the Big Mac, McDonald's signature two-tiered hamburger introduced in 1967?

Franchisee Jim Delligatti created the Big Mac, McDonald's signature two-tiered hamburger introduced in 1967.

Delligatti operated several McDonald's restaurants in the Pittsburgh area and developed the larger sandwich to compete with other substantial hamburgers. The original Big Mac used two beef patties, a middle bun layer, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and special sauce.

The sandwich was first tested in the Pittsburgh area before being introduced nationally in the United States in 1968. Its name was selected after other proposed names, including the Blue Ribbon Burger and the Aristocrat, were rejected. The Big Mac then became one of the most recognizable products associated with McDonald's branding.

Delligatti is sometimes confused with Ray Kroc, who expanded McDonald's through franchising, or with the McDonald brothers, who founded the original restaurant business. Delligatti was the franchisee credited with inventing this particular menu item.