What service system did the McDonald brothers introduce when they redesigned their restaurant in 1948?

The McDonald brothers introduced the Speedee Service System when they redesigned their restaurant in 1948.

Richard and Maurice McDonald created the system after closing their San Bernardino drive-in temporarily and rethinking how food was prepared and served. They reduced the menu, removed carhop service, standardized production, and emphasized speed and consistency.

The approach divided kitchen work into specialized tasks, making the restaurant resemble an assembly line. Customers received a limited selection of food quickly, rather than choosing from a large barbecue menu and waiting for table-side service. This model became a foundation of modern fast food.

The system’s name is linked to Speedee, the early McDonald’s mascot. It is sometimes confused with a later corporate slogan or a particular kitchen appliance, but it was an operating and service concept. Ray Kroc later helped spread this model through franchised McDonald’s restaurants.