Whether or not you enjoy fast food, surely you agree that the Big Mac is an American cultural icon. For generations, it has been shorthand for hamburgers and everything they stand for: deliciousness, convenience, approachability and just a touch of indulgence. Did you know that there is a roadside attraction in Pennsylvania, entirely devoted to the history and legacy of McDonald’s flagship sandwich? Yes, the Big Mac Museum Restaurant is located in North Huntingdon, Pa. in Westmoreland County, just about 20 miles southeast of Pittsburgh!
Also operating as a McDonalds, the Big Mac Museum Restaurant is a tribute to the double-decker burger and its inventor, Jim “MJ” Delligatti, a native of Pittsburgh. Burger fans and pop culture aficionados will love perusing the museum’s exhibits, like the world’s tallest Big Mac statue and an 18-foot electronic world map.
There’s also a handcrafted walnut case filled with fascinating historic memorabilia and seven flat panel LCD display screens with vignettes about McDonald’s, Jim Delligatti and the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).
And, there’s more! Tabletops are laminated with images and trivia about the Big Mac, there’s a hands-on wall unit about RMHC and historic graphics are featured across walls of the restaurant. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to snag the special Big Mac Booth to enjoy your meal with a life-like bronze bust of Jim Delligatti.
Don’t be mistaken: Though the Big Mac Museum Restaurant looks back through the years, it is a modern McDonald’s with plenty of amenities for travelers, like a state-of-the art PlayPlace, a 24-hour double-lane drive-thru, Wi-Fi access, self-service beverage and condiment centers, and electronic payment capabilities.
Have you ever been to the Big Mac Museum Restaurant? If so, let us know about your experience there!
- Photos: Gene Puskar
