Herb Peterson

Herb Peterson

Herb Peterson
Born	(1922-01-05)January 5, 1922 Pasadena, California, U.S.
Died	March 25, 2008(2008-03-25) (aged 86) Santa Barbara, California, U.S.
Occupation	Restaurateur, Inventor

Herb Peterson (January 5, 1922 – March 25, 2008) was an American restaurateur and inventor. He is best known for his contribution to the fast-food industry as the creator of the Egg McMuffin.

Early Life and Career

Peterson was born on January 5, 1922, in Pasadena, California. He developed a passion for cooking at a young age and pursued his culinary interests by attending culinary school. After completing his education, Peterson worked in various restaurants, gaining experience and honing his skills.

In 1972, Peterson joined McDonald's Corporation as a franchise owner in Santa Barbara, California. It was during his time at McDonald's that he came up with the idea for the Egg McMuffin, a breakfast sandwich that would revolutionize the fast-food breakfast industry.

Invention of the Egg McMuffin

Peterson's inspiration for the Egg McMuffin came from his desire to create a breakfast item that could be prepared quickly and easily. He experimented with different combinations of ingredients and cooking methods until he perfected the recipe.

The Egg McMuffin, consisting of a freshly cracked egg, Canadian bacon, American cheese, and a toasted English muffin, was introduced to the McDonald's menu in 1972. It quickly became a popular choice among customers, and its success led to the expansion of the breakfast menu at McDonald's.

Legacy

Herb Peterson's invention of the Egg McMuffin had a lasting impact on the fast-food industry. It paved the way for the introduction of breakfast items in many other fast-food chains and established McDonald's as a leader in the breakfast market.

Peterson continued to work with McDonald's even after retiring as a franchise owner. He served as a consultant and ambassador for the company, promoting the Egg McMuffin and other breakfast items.