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Big Mac inventor dead at 98

Longtime McDonald's franchisee and creator of the renowned Big Mac, Michael "Jim" Delligatti, has died at the age of 98.

December 1, 2016 by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

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Longtime McDonald's franchisee and creator of the renowned Big Mac, Michael "Jim" Delligatti, has died at the age of 98, according to the Chicago-based fast food chain. As one of the chain's earliest franchisees, he started with a location in Pittsburgh almost 60 years ago and eventually became one largest single franchisees, with 48 locations. 

Delligatti created the Big Mac in 1967, according to NPR, because he said his Uniontown, Pennsylvania, customers wanted a bigger sandwich. And in a 23-year-old Associated Press interview, Delligatti said it took him two years to convince McDonald's corporate leaders to try the Big Mac concept. Today, nearly 50 years after its introduction, the Big Mac has become the world's most popular sandwich, according to McDonald's. 

"Today, we celebrate the 98 inspirational years of Big Mac inventor, Michael 'Jim' Delligatti," read a post on McDonald's Twitter feed."Jim, we thank and will forever remember you."

About S.A. Whitehead

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Pizza Marketplace and QSRweb editor Shelly Whitehead is a former newspaper and TV reporter with an affinity for telling stories about the people and innovative thinking behind great brands.