Big Mac inventor passes away aged 98 nearly 50 years after creating
iconic McDonalds burger

Franchisee 'Jim' Delligatti first put the treat on sale at one of his
outlets in 1968
By NEAL BAKER
30th November 2016, 3:42 pm

The franchise-owner from Uniontown Pennsylvania put the stacked treat on
sale at one of his restaurants in 1968.

McDonalds initially did not approve of deviating from its strict
formula of simple hamburgers, cheeseburgers and milkshakes.

But the creation of a two-patty burger with lettuce, cheese, gherkins,
onions and €œspecial sauce€� proved an instant hit, and was rolled out to
his other 47 outlets across the US.

McDonalds spokeswoman Kerry Ford confirmed that Delligatti died at home
surrounded by his family on Monday night.

He opened his first McDonalds restaurant in 1957 and went on to spread
the brand across Pennsylvania and beyond.

Delegatti was also instrumental in coming up with the breakfast menu.

He is said to have created the Hotcakes and Sausage breakfast meal to
feel the states steelworkers to have at the end of their night shift.

Jim was a legendary franchisee within McDonalds system who made a
lasting impression on our brand,€� McDonalds said in a statement
announcing his passing.

€œWe will remember Jim as an insightful franchisee, a knowledgeable
businessman, and an honorable gentleman who left a legacy of four
generations of family members running great restaurants in Pennsylvania
and North Carolina.€�