master-cooks | How The McDonald's Big Mac Came To Be

The McDonald's Big Mac, an iconic symbol of American fast food, was created by franchisee Jim Delligatti in 1967. Operating in the Pittsburgh area, Delligatti noticed a growing demand for a larger sandwich that could compete with other restaurant offerings. Drawing inspiration from existing double-decker burgers, he devised a sandwich with two beef patties, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and a special sauce, all nestled between a three-part sesame seed bun. Initially, McDonald's headquarters was skeptical about the new item, but they allowed Delligatti to test it out in his local market. The Big Mac quickly became a hit, thanks to its satisfying size and unique flavor profile. The special sauce, a proprietary blend of ingredients, added to the burger's allure, setting it apart from other fast-food options. In 1968, the Big Mac was rolled out nationwide, rapidly becoming one of McDonald's flagship products. Its success was bolstered by clever advertising campaigns and the catchy jingle that highlighted its distinctive ingredients. Over the years, the Big Mac has become more than just a menu item; it is a cultural icon, representing the expansion and influence of American fast food worldwide.

The enduring love of the uniquely named Big Mac

It didn't take long for the chain to realize that this product had the potential to thrive in all its locations, and in 1968, Delligatti's adult burger made its grand debut with a nationwide launch. At that time, McDonald's was in search of a name for the burger, and after considering some rather uninspired options, they settled on a suggestion from their advertising secretary. It was 21-year-old Esther Glickstein Rose who coined the name Big Mac, and it became iconic.

Back then, a Big Mac would cost you just 45 cents (which is quite reasonable, considering that in the 1950s, you could purchase the entire McDonald's menu for under $2). Today, the average price is around $5.29 (though there's a trick to get a cheaper version), and you can also find variations like the chicken Big Mac.

You can celebrate your affection for this product alongside the rest of the world every August 2, which is recognized as the official International Big Mac Day. This date marks the anniversary of its creation many years ago in Pittsburgh, and the global festivities are fitting, as Delligatti's burger is now available in over 100 countries. Whether you're a longtime admirer or a newcomer to this burger, ordering a Big Mac connects you to an American tradition.

How The McDonald's Big Mac Came To Be

The enduring love of the uniquely named Big Mac

Recommended

Next up