Dick’s Drive-In
~ Seattle Washington based chain ~
The infamous iconic Seattle-based fast food burger joint / drive-in, Dick’s is a major Seattle attraction. It was founded by Dick Spady, H. Warren Ghormley, and Dr. B.O.A. Thomas in 1954 within the Wallingford neighborhood on N.E. 45th street. A second one was opened in Capital Hill during 1955. In 1960 one was opened in Crown Hill, followed by one in Lake City in 1963, and a fifth in Queen Anne 1974. They opened a sixth location in Edmonds off 220th street and Hwy 99 in 2011. They opened a 8th location in December 2018 in Kent, Washington off Highway 99. There is no customer seating available at any of the locations except the Queen Anne which has indoor tables but no drive-in.
They boast a simple low-cost menu that gives them their fame – fast food staples such as hamburgers, hand-cut french fries, and hand-made milk shakes. They are notable for the “Dick’s Deluxe” which includes the burger, lettuce, mayonnaise, and chopped pickles. They don’t allow substitutions and all burgers are cooked to well done. They have been cited as being really good to their employees, even offering them matched 401(k), 100% employer-paid medical, and a $22,000 college tuition scholarship after 6 months of employment. They were voted the “most life-changing burger joint in America” in 2013 Esquire.com.
As much as I desire to quit fast food, this is one staple in Seattle I often still visit as the food is affordable and tasty. Most locations are quite busy and always involve a line-up and obscene traffic. The wait is worth it though in most instances. The shakes are to die for. Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 Fast Food – Low.