Seattle – Dick’s Drive-In announced yesterday plans to build a new restaurant either east or south of their current locations. They called on customers to help select the next location online at www.ddir.com. Seconds after the announcement, thousands of eager customers went to their website to vote, and it couldn’t handle the volume.

Twenty-four hours after the announcement, the site is back up and running and over 100,000 votes have been cast. Currently, the South region is in the lead.

“We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love,” says Jim Spady, President of Dick’s Drive-Ins and son of co-founder and namesake, Dick Spady. “We’d love to build in both regions right away, but we are a small family business and we have to pick one. It’s wonderful that so many of our customers want to help us choose where we build next.”

“We’ve transitioned to a new server and should be able to handle the volume now,” says Jasmine Donovan, Vice President. “Bring on the votes and the keep the e-mails coming.” She reports that the company has received over a thousand e-mails with location suggestions.

The poll will be open for about three weeks. Stay tuned on Facebook for voting updates.

The first Dick’s Drive-In opened on NE 45th Street in Wallingford on January 28th, 1954. Burgers were 19 cents, fries 11 cents, and shakes 21 cents. “Some things have changed over the years,” says Spady, “but we still use fresh, never-frozen beef and buns, we still hand-cut our fries from real potatoes, and we still hand-dip and individually whip our shakes. Our tradition of quality food, instant service, taking care of our employees and investing in our communities will continue as we grow.”

Dick’s Drive-In is known for having the highest wages and benefits in the local fast food industry including offering $25,000 college scholarships for all employees working at least 20 hours a week. For more information on Dick’s wages and benefits go to www.ddir.com/employment.

To vote East or South go to www.ddir.com. Limit 2 votes per email.

To stay up to date on all Dick’s Drive-In news “Like” the official Dick’s Drive-In Facebook page at  facebook.com/dicksdrivein

CONTACT: Jasmine Donovan or Saul Spady:

(206) 321-1045 – Saul Spady; Media Representative

(206) 877-2101 – Jasmine Donovan; Vice-President Dick’s Drive-In