MEMORIES: Employee Memories

Now you get to hear the inside scoop on Dick's-straight from the memories of past and present employees. Ever wonder how these amazing people managed to make your food taste so good, service it to you so fast and still be smiling? Read on. You'll hear what it was really like to work the Friday and Saturday night crowds at Dick's, how there used to be men's jobs and women's jobs behind the counter and just what it was like to wait on you.

Grand Prize Winner

Life without Frangos, sure, but not without Dick's
Having been born and raised on Capitol Hill, Dick's Drive-In on Broadway is more than a memory. It represents a family tradition. When my father was a graduate student at the University of Washington, "going out to dinner" with my parents and little brother meant going to Dick's because hamburgers were affordable at only thirty-nine cents each. In my late teens and early twenties my best friend (of twenty-five years) and I were known to make many late night excursions to Dick's, based on the fact that neither of us would ever go there without the other. And on my wedding night a year ago, after my husband and I didn't get a chance to eat dinner at our reception, the same best friend loyally drove us to Dick's on Broadway before dropping us off at our downtown hotel!

Dick's Drive-In also represents a lot of significant "firsts" in my life-my first job interview, my first job, my first love, my first major savings endeavor, my first trip to Europe.

In 1974, when I was sixteen years old and a high school junior, I heard a rumor that Dick's on Broadway was hiring young people at a higher rate of pay than any other "fast food" restaurant. Since Dick's had long been a favorite family burger stop, I was excited about the prospect of landing a job there. Screwing up my courage, I called the Broadway store for information and was invited to come in the next day and fill out an application.

I'll never forget how mature and grown up I felt as I reported to the office for my very first ever job interview. I had worn the closest thing to a suit that I owned, and put on my very best poise to mask my absolute terror at meeting "the manager." Luck was on my side-the manager was Ken. He greeted me warmly, treated me with respect, and made me feel at ease tight away. The next day I learned I had my first job.

With uncontrollable excitement, I called my high school sweetheart to tell him the good news. (We had both been looking for work for several weeks, as we were trying to save enough money to help pay for a school trimester to France our senior year.) When Tim heard my good news, he immediately called the Broadway store to ask about additional openings. More good luck...he interviewed and was also hired. It was almost too good to be true. Not only did we have a good paying job, but we would also be working together.

Looking back now, I realize what a precious time it was. Recalling the shared experience of getting our first job together, working hard toward a common goal, and just being a high school couple in "first love" evokes such warm memories of a really fine time in our young lives. Tim and I worked together at Dick's on Broadway for almost a year, making memories and successfully saving money for the three month foreign study program our senior year.

I have managed to remain fairly philosophical as some Seattle traditions and trends have come and gone in my lifetime here. I can live with lattes and the Hammering Man, just as I can live without Frederick's Frangos and the Aurora Village Mall. But I'm glad I don't have to think about life without Sir Richard's on Broadway. It's part of my history as one of the "homegrown" Seattleites.
Cynthia Shaw O'Connor Age: 36
Former Employee Broadway, 1974-1975

Employee Memories Runners-up

Cranking out the Saturday specials
My favorite memories of my time working at Dick's are the sunny summer Saturdays. At times on these Saturdays there would be a sea of people in front of the restaurant covering almost every inch of pavement. In addition the parking lot would be packed with cars with more arriving every minute. Inside the restaurant I would look out the window as the crowd arrived and feel a familiar surge of adrenaline as our crew prepared to serve this "rush" of customers.

On days like I've described the crew worked together like a well-oiled piece of machinery. If was a fun challenge to see that all the orders were filled as quickly as possible, the burgers and fries were cooked, the counters were kept clean, and to try to do all of this without running into anybody or making mistakes.

When the "rush" was over the crew would breathe a collective sign and smile, each person heading for his or her station knowing that the machinery of the Saturday afternoon Dick's crew was in good working order and ready for the next challenge.
Kathy Tinoco Age: 31
Former Employee Holman Road, 1979-1982

Dicks' summer training camp
Three weeks ago, my daughter took a trip to Seattle. I urged her to have lunch at Dick's Drive-In as I had worked there during the summer of 1954. Of course she did and was excited to read on the paper sack that you were trying to contact former employees.
My most memorable impression that summer, besides the "Miracle Mile" and the "Gold-Cup Races" was of Dick with his stop watch following the workers around the work place trying to trim seconds off on all operations. Congratulations on the success of your business, McDonald's is #2.
Ed Miller Age: 64
Former Employee Wallingford, 1954

The memoirs of a fry cutting machine
I just remember working my butt off for $1.75 per hour, which was a lot of money. I worked at McDonalds prior to this for $1.15. Back then a cheeseburger and small drink was 39 cents. I remember I was the fastest fry cutter at Bellevue; I was the fry cutting machine. I invented the Dick's Deluxe after the Big Mac hit the grill. I called it something else. I also was the reason you put grills over the fry lights. I broke 2 in one night. I really enjoyed my time at Dick's. I now own and run one of the largest and most respected RV sales store in Washington. Maybe I learned something at Dick's.
Gary North
Former Employee Bellevue, 1969

Hey fella, move over. I can cook as good as you!
I just received your contest entry form in the mail from my cousin Bill whose parents still live in the Seattle area. He had made what he calls his "customary pilgrimage" to Dick's and found out about your 40th Anniversary celebration. Knowing the fondness with which I remember my time in the "Dick's Family" he thought I might like to be in touch with you about my time working for Dick's.

I hired into Dick's in 1966 and worked part-time, fulltime and sometime off and on until about 1969. I started at Broadway and since I was going to the U of Wash. I worked mostly nights and weekends.

Boy! Did I think we worked hard! But that's not what I remember as much as the feeling of being in a large family-the "Dick's Family." I have thought a lot about my favorite memory but can't seem to pin it down to one. I remember dipping the shake mix into cups every day. We made it into a game and actually timed ourselves. Not only did we compete within our store we used to time ourselves against the girls in the other stores.

When I worked it was a big policy that no girls had ever worked the grill and made burgers. Of course then we only had regular hamburgers and cheeseburgers but the guys were real protective of their side of the store. Once in a while we could sack up a fry but mostly it was hands off. Well, I'm proud to say I'm one of the ones that helped break that old stand-off! At first they would only allow you to slice the cheese. Then you could peel and cut the potatoes. (By the way the guys used to make a contest of cutting and peeling potatoes also.) Then we could turn the meat and finally we were running the grill for them. I chuckle every time I think about how protective they were.

I remember what a hard time we had trying to close up the restaurant at 2 am especially on weekends. We were one of the few places that were open that late and it seemed like when the bars closed the whole town went to Dick's for late night burgers. We'd just give up trying to lock up until we got them all served because they would pound on the window if you didn't.

After we'd close we'd all go to one of our homes and play "Hearts" for hours. We were all more like friends then co-workers. We all cared about each other and were there if someone had car trouble or home trouble.

I worked at all of the Restaurants at one time or the other. I used to visit the others and train the new girls (Except at Queen Anne since it wasn't built yet).

I was always very proud of my association with Dick's and my family always teased me about my favorite restaurant. Any time I'm in Seattle I can't resist making a "customary pilgrimage" to Dick's restaurant.

I wish you all the best on the 40th Anniversary! Thank you for a great experience!
Lou C. Hetu Bliss Age: 46
Former Employee All Stores, 1966-1969

Dick's was there for me
Having attended Seattle Prep High I practically survived on Dick's food. Everyday we'd load into someone's car and travel up to the Capitol Hill Dick's. Dick's has been one of the few constants in my life. When I went through a divorce in 1983, I was a student at S.C.C.C. I needed a job quick, something that would be fun and keep me busy as well as financially on my feet. Dick's was there for me and for this I am eternally grateful. My recollection of working that year at Dick's was the intoxicated frat boys showing up at 1:59am and demanding grub. Boy, I sure didn't envy our night manager who had to put up the "This window closed" sign at the main window. They were not happy campers. Thanks again for all the years of great food. You guys are definitely a big part of Seattle history.
Jere Carrasco Age: 35
Former Employee 45th, 1983

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