The Big Mac was created in 1967 by Jim Delligatti, a McDonald's franchise owner in Pennsylvania. The inspiration came from his desire to craft a sandwich that had two beef patties, a special sauce, and three pieces of bread. The Big Mac quickly gained popularity and was added to the national menu in 1968. The Quarter Pounder was created in 1971 by C.V. Ortega, another McDonald's franchise owner from California. He wanted to develop a simpler and more substantial sandwich with a larger beef patty. The Quarter Pounder was initially offered as a limited-time item, but its success led to its permanent inclusion in the McDonald's menu.