Mayor Mike McGinn recognized Dick’s Drive-In for their longtime business leadership and investment in the Seattle community, while embodying Seattle’s pioneering spirit and reflecting Seattle at its best.
Watch the Dick’s Drive-In business profile on the Seattle Channel and read the full press release here.
“Dick’s Drive-In is the quintessential Seattle business – everyone loves to stop by and get a Dick’s burger, shake and fries,” said Mayor Mike McGinn. “What’s truly impressive beyond their great food is their commitment to continuing education of their workers and investing in the community at large. I’m proud to acknowledge their contributions in our new In Good Company program.”
A part of the Seattle Jobs Plan, the In Good Company program is an ongoing showcase of businesses that spotlights one locally-owned business every month for being unconventional, transformative, and exemplary. There are a lot of incredible businesses in Seattle, and if your business is recognized here, you know that you’re in good company.
“For over 58 years, we have focused on a simple formula — serving great burgers, fries and shakes, quickly, at low prices,” says Dick Spady, co-founder and namesake of Dick’s Drive-In Restaurant, Inc. “This simple formula doesn’t work without also hiring great people, treating them well and investing in the local community. We are thankful for this recognition and proud to be a small, but tasty part of the Seattle metro area.”
Dick’s Drive-In is a Seattle institution – one that was recently voted America’s “most life-changing burger” by Esquire Magazine. As Seattle’s longest operating fast-food restaurant, Dick’s has made a 58-year, multi-generational investment in its employees and community.
“Dick’s customers have been supporting our local business since 1954, and this, in turn, has allowed us to invest in our employees and the local community,” says Jim Spady, company vice president and son of Dick Spady. “We provide the highest wages and benefits in our industry, including $10 per hour to start, 100 percent employer-paid health insurance premiums, a $22,000 college scholarship plan, paid time off for community service, and a 401(k) plan with a 50 percent employer match. Over the past 20 years, our employee scholarship program has paid out over $1.2 million, and along with our customers’ ‘Change for Charity’ donations, we have provided over $1 million to support local homeless charities, disaster relief efforts around the world, and public engagement efforts in Seattle, King County, and now statewide.”
Dick’s provides the highest wages and lowest employee turnover rates in the fast food industry. This year, the company supports 180 local jobs – expanding by more than 40 employees since 2009. Dick’s commitment is to a high quality product and low prices, alongside investments in the communities where the restaurant does business.
“Dick’s creates a sense of place for Seattleites–from going with your parents to your grad night to your last stop on the way home,” said Maud Daudon, president & CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. “On behalf of the Seattle Metro Chamber and our 2,200 member companies, congratulations to Dick’s Drive-In for being the first recognized business. Those that come after will certainly be in good company. Among Dick’s other accomplishments, we’d like to thank them for 46 years of Chamber membership.”
Businesses recognized in the In Good Company program receive several meaningful prizes to help their business grow and celebrate their employees, including a mayor proclamation; a high-quality video profile featured on the Seattle Channel; a one-year membership or an upgraded tier of membership at the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber; and a special gift basket for employees containing food, drinks and prizes from some of Seattle’s most beloved local companies.
The highlighted businesses are chosen by the City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development and the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce by a committee of staff members who meet quarterly to select businesses to recognize. Individuals and businesses may also suggest recommendations via the Office of Economic Development.
For nomination criteria and more information, please visit the In Good Company website page.
In Good Company is brought to you by: Mayor Mike McGinn as part of the Seattle Jobs Plan; Seattle Office of Economic Development; Seattle Channel; Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce; Flying Spot; and 206 inc.
Prize partners include: Alaska Airlines Board Room Airport Lounges; Banya 5; DRY Soda; Fran’s Chocolates; Seattle Mariners; Theo Chocolate; The Crumpet Shop; and Uber.
