Who created McDonald’s original Speedee Service System in 1948?

The McDonald brothers created McDonald’s original Speedee Service System in 1948.

Richard and Maurice McDonald redesigned their San Bernardino, California, restaurant around a limited menu, assembly-line preparation, self-service, and rapid production. The system was named Speedee Service and became the operational foundation of the McDonald’s brand.

Speedee Service was also reflected in the restaurant’s early mascot, Speedee. Together, the name and character communicated the central promise of fast, consistent service. This was an important step away from the slower, broader service model common at many drive-in restaurants.

Ray Kroc did not create the original system. He became the McDonald brothers’ national franchising agent in the 1950s and later built the corporation that expanded McDonald’s worldwide.