Who created the Big Mac, the McDonald’s hamburger introduced nationally in 1968?

Jim Delligatti created the Big Mac, which McDonald’s introduced nationally in 1968.

Delligatti was a McDonald’s franchisee in the Pittsburgh area who developed the sandwich as a larger alternative to the chain’s standard hamburgers. The original version used two beef patties, a middle bun section, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and the sauce later associated with the product.

The sandwich was tested in several markets before receiving national distribution. Its name and distinctive layered construction helped make it one of McDonald’s most recognizable branded products.

People sometimes credit Ray Kroc with inventing the Big Mac because he led McDonald’s during its major expansion. Kroc helped oversee the company, but Delligatti is credited with creating the sandwich itself. The Big Mac later became a recurring symbol in McDonald’s global marketing.