Back in the day, Dick’s Drive-in had a restaurant in Bellevue. That day may return.

For the first time in 36 years, the Seattle-based chain is going to expand – and the public is being invited to help pick the location.

“We are very excited to make this historic expansion after 36 years,” says Jim Spady, vice president of Dick’s Drive-Ins and son of co-founder and namesake, Dick Spady. “And we want to involve our customers and the community, asking everyone to help us find the best location for our next restaurant.”

The company is looking to the east, north and south of its five current locations in Seattle. An online poll has been setup for people to register

their top pick for a new location.

The former Dick’s location in Bellevue was along Bellevue Way. The restaurant is known for having the region’s highest wages and employee benefits within the fast food industry including college scholarships of up to $18,000 per employee.

“Taking care of our employees is one of the key foundations of our business,” Spady said. “This community has been so good to us for 56 years. We’re grateful to be in a position where we can create more jobs

during a time when good jobs are hard to find.”

The first Dick’s Drive-In opened on NE 45th Street in Seattle’s Wallingford area on January 28, 1954. Burgers were 19 cents, fries 11 cents, and shakes 21 cents.