McDonald's first mascot was Speedee, introduced in 1948 as a speed-themed chef.
Speedee represented the restaurant's original promise of quick service. The character was associated with the Speedee Service System, the kitchen and service approach developed by Richard and Maurice McDonald at their San Bernardino, California, restaurant.
Speedee was later replaced in McDonald's public branding by Ronald McDonald, who became the company's best-known character. This sometimes causes confusion because Ronald is much more strongly associated with McDonald's in modern popular culture.
The Speedee name also connects McDonald's branding to its early operational identity. Before the Golden Arches became the dominant symbol, the company emphasized speed, standardized food preparation, and a limited menu. That positioning helped distinguish the McDonald brothers' restaurant from traditional drive-in restaurants of the period.