What service system did McDonald's introduce in 1948 after removing most barbecue items?

McDonald's introduced the Speedee Service System in 1948 after removing most barbecue items from its menu.

Richard and Maurice McDonald redesigned their San Bernardino restaurant around speed, consistency, and self-service. Customers ordered at a counter rather than waiting for carhops, while the kitchen used specialized stations and a limited menu.

The system helped establish the fast-food production model associated with McDonald's. Hamburgers, french fries, and milkshakes became the central products, replacing the broader barbecue-oriented menu.

Speedee was also used as an early McDonald's character and visual brand symbol. That mascot should not be confused with Ronald McDonald, who became the chain’s best-known advertising character in the 1960s.