Speedee appeared on the original 1948 McDonald's sign as the restaurant's first major mascot.
The character was a chef with a hamburger-shaped head, reflecting McDonald's early emphasis on speedy service. The name connected directly with the Speedee Service System introduced by Richard and Maurice McDonald at their San Bernardino, California, restaurant.
Speedee predates Ronald McDonald and the colorful McDonaldland cast by many years. The mascot was gradually replaced as McDonald's branding shifted toward the Golden Arches and more family-oriented characters. The original sign also used the phrase "I'm Speedee," making the character an unmistakable symbol of the restaurant's service promise.
A common mix-up is assuming Ronald McDonald was the company's first mascot. Ronald became prominent in the 1960s, while Speedee represented the brand during its early postwar period.