McDonald's original 1948 Speedee Service System branding featured the mascot Speedee.
Speedee was a chef-like character with a hamburger-shaped head, reflecting the McDonald brothers' emphasis on quick, standardized service. The name connected directly to the Speedee Service System, which simplified restaurant operations and reduced waiting times.
Speedee predates Ronald McDonald and the later McDonaldland cast. Ronald became the chain's best-known advertising character after his introduction in 1963, while Speedee gradually disappeared from prominent national advertising.
A common mix-up is calling Speedee the original name of Ronald McDonald. They were separate mascots from different periods of McDonald's branding history.