The trick to Dick’s success

One of Seattle’s famed Dick’s Drive-Ins will reopen Monday, April 5.

A car smashed into the Lake City Dick’s restaurant March 25. No customers or employees were hurt when a vehicle crashed into the front of the building. That driver was investigated for driving under the influence.

Dicks has been closed since then for repairs. Even though employees didn’t have a job to go to, they’ve been receiving their regular pay and benefits. Company founder, and namesake, Dick Spady wanted to make sure his crew was paid during the 11 days the restaurant had to be shut down.

“It’s really quite simple. Our employees are the heart and soul of what makes Dick’s Drive-Ins great,” says Spady in an e-mail interview.

Much as I love new things – social media, tech devices, and the next big anything – there’s something comforting about old-fashioned business values.

Spady’s business started in 1954 and has grown to include five Seattle drive-ins. Nothing fancy on the menu. Just burgers, fries and shakes.

“It is not a complicated business model, but the support from the community means that we’ve done something right and that business integrity does have its rewards,” Spady says.

Dick’s now has three generations of Spadys working in the family business, along with many generations of customers and employees.

“It has been a joy to see multi-generations of Dick’s employees learn and love the restaurant business and to value the business as an extension of the community, not just a place to make a quick buck,” says Spady. “My family and I have learned so much from our employees about what it means to create a successful business that truly values people.”