What was McDonald's 1948 fast-service operating system called?

McDonald's 1948 fast-service operating system was called the Speedee Service System.

Richard and Maurice McDonald developed the system when they redesigned their San Bernardino restaurant. Instead of relying on carhops and a large menu, they organized food preparation into specialized steps. Customers ordered at a counter, and the limited menu made it possible to serve meals quickly and consistently.

The system became an important part of McDonald's identity because it connected the brand with speed, uniformity, and affordability. It also provided the operational model that Ray Kroc later franchised. The term Speedee referred to the company's early mascot, a chef-like figure whose name and image promoted fast service.

The Speedee Service System is distinct from the Golden Arches. The arches became the major visual mark in the 1950s and 1960s, while Speedee described the restaurant's service method and early branding.