Speedee was McDonald's first nationally recognized mascot before Ronald McDonald.
Speedee was a small chef character used by McDonald's in its early branding. The name referred to the restaurant's emphasis on speed and its “Speedee Service System,” the production method developed by Richard and Maurice McDonald at their San Bernardino restaurant.
The character's appearance and use changed over time, and Speedee was eventually displaced by the Golden Arches and Ronald McDonald in consumer-facing advertising. Speedee should not be confused with the later burger-themed mascots associated with McDonaldland, which were created for a different generation of campaigns.
The mascot is important because it links McDonald's visual identity to operational branding. Before the company became identified worldwide with arches and clown imagery, speed was a central promise expressed directly in its name and character.