What was McDonald's original 1948 service model called?

McDonald's original 1948 service model was called the Speedee Service System.

Richard and Maurice McDonald introduced the system when they reorganized their San Bernardino, California, restaurant around speed, consistency, and a limited menu. Instead of preparing customized meals in the earlier drive-in style, workers performed specialized tasks on an assembly-line model.

The system helped make hamburgers, fries, and drinks quickly and at predictable prices. It became an important foundation for the modern fast-food format, even though the company later expanded and changed its branding substantially.

The name is sometimes confused with Speedee, the chef mascot used in early McDonald's promotion. Speedee was the character; the Speedee Service System was the restaurant operating method. Ray Kroc later franchised and expanded the McDonald's concept, but the system originated with the McDonald brothers before Kroc's involvement.