McDonald's original mascot, Speedee, was depicted as a chef.
Speedee appeared in McDonald's early branding after Richard and Maurice McDonald developed their fast-service restaurant system in San Bernardino, California. The character was designed to suggest speed, efficiency, and freshly prepared food. His name echoed the restaurant's emphasis on rapid service before the Golden Arches became its dominant visual symbol.
Speedee is sometimes confused with Ronald McDonald because both were used as McDonald's characters. Ronald became the better-known public mascot from the 1960s onward, while Speedee belonged mainly to the chain's earlier identity. The Golden Arches also emerged during the 1950s and gradually replaced Speedee in prominence.
The character's chef styling connected the brand to hamburgers and restaurant service, while the name reinforced McDonald's central selling point: food served quickly. This makes Speedee an important link between the company's original service concept and its later worldwide branding.