In McDonald's branding history, the 1955 advertising mascot shown as a chef was Speedee.
Speedee was a smiling chef character used to represent McDonald's early focus on fast service. The character was derived from the Speedee Service System developed by Richard and Maurice McDonald at their San Bernardino restaurant. Speedee's appearance connected the brand with quick food preparation before Ronald McDonald became its best-known mascot.
Speedee should not be confused with the Golden Arches, which began as architectural features of McDonald's restaurants, or with Ronald McDonald, who was introduced nationally in the 1960s. The character gradually disappeared from consumer-facing branding as McDonald's shifted toward a broader family-oriented identity.
The name also reflects the period's emphasis on speed as a competitive advantage. McDonald's early branding promoted operational efficiency as much as menu items, making Speedee an important link between the restaurant's service system and its visual identity.