McDonald's introduced Speedee as its original mascot in 1948.
Speedee was a small chef character whose name referred to the restaurant's emphasis on speedy service. He appeared in early McDonald's signs and advertising, often alongside the restaurant's original speed-service concept.
Speedee predates the Golden Arches as the company's best-known visual symbol and also predates Ronald McDonald, who became the central advertising mascot in the 1960s. The character was influenced by the broader mid-century fascination with quick, efficient food service.
A common mix-up is assuming Ronald McDonald was always the chain's mascot. In fact, Ronald arrived later, while Speedee represented McDonald's during its formative postwar years. The Golden Arches eventually became more important than either mascot as the company's primary corporate identity.