McDonald's used Speedee as its hamburger-selling mascot from 1948 to 1962.
Speedee was a chef-like character based on the original Speedee Service System, the fast-production method created by Richard and Maurice McDonald at their San Bernardino restaurant. The figure communicated speed and efficiency before the company developed its later fantasy characters.
Speedee is often confused with later McDonald's advertising figures. The Hamburglar and Grimace belonged to the McDonaldland campaign, while Ronald McDonald became the chain's most recognizable human-like mascot. Speedee disappeared from mainstream branding as the Golden Arches became more prominent.