Who created the Big Mac, the McDonald’s sandwich that debuted in 1967?

Jim Delligatti created the Big Mac, which debuted at his McDonald’s restaurant in 1967.

Delligatti was a franchisee in the Pittsburgh area who wanted to offer a larger sandwich for customers seeking a more substantial meal. The Big Mac used two beef patties, a three-part bun, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and Big Mac sauce.

The sandwich was first tested regionally before becoming available nationwide in the United States in 1968. Its layered construction and distinctive middle bun became central parts of McDonald’s product branding.

The Big Mac’s name is sometimes attributed to Ray Kroc, but the sandwich itself is credited to Delligatti. The name was selected from suggestions considered by McDonald’s, and the product soon became one of the company’s best-known global menu symbols.