McDonald's first mascot, introduced in 1948 as a symbol of speedy service, was Speedee.
Speedee was depicted as a chef-like figure with a hamburger-shaped head. The character represented the McDonald brothers' Speedee Service System, which emphasized quick preparation and a limited menu. That operating approach became central to the restaurant's early identity.
Speedee appeared in McDonald's signage and promotional material before the Golden Arches became the company's dominant visual symbol. The name also connected the mascot with the restaurant's promise of fast service, rather than with a specific menu item.
A common mix-up is to identify Ronald McDonald as the company's original mascot. Ronald was introduced later, in the 1960s, when McDonald's advertising developed a larger cast of characters. The Golden Arches eventually replaced Speedee as the most recognizable corporate emblem.