50 Authentic American Experiences

If McDonald's founder Ray Kroc had had his way, customers of the fast-food chain would still be chomping down on the Hula Burger — basically a slice of pineapple on a bun with cheese. Pennsylvania franchisee Jim Delligatti, however, had another idea: He thought customers wanted a bigger, not a barer sandwich. In 1965, he began experimenting with recipes, and after two years of wrangling with McDonald's corporate for permission, Delligatti in August 1967 debuted the Big Mac on the menu at his franchise in Uniontown, Pa. Last year, Delligatti opened a shrine to the sandwich at another franchise in North Huntingdon, Pa. The Big Mac Museum, which is located within a working McDonald's restaurant, showcases McDonald's memorabilia, period photos and flat-panel TVs playing vintage commercials. There's also a bronze bust of Dellgiatti, the man who saved us from the Hula Burger.