McDonald's original mascot was Speedee.
Speedee was a smiling chef character used in McDonald's early advertising and associated with the restaurant's Speedee Service System. That system emphasized fast preparation and quick service, helping distinguish the restaurant from conventional diners.
Speedee predates Ronald McDonald, who became the company's best-known mascot in the 1960s. The name is sometimes confused with Speedy Gonzales, a Warner Bros. cartoon character, but McDonald's Speedee was created specifically for the restaurant brand.
As McDonald's branding changed from a local drive-in identity to a national family-oriented image, Speedee disappeared from most consumer advertising. The Golden Arches, Ronald McDonald and the McDonaldland characters eventually became more prominent brand symbols.