By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
History was made as Tulalip leaders, community members, and representatives from Dick’s Drive-In gathered for a public groundbreaking ceremony celebrating the future home of the iconic burger restaurant. When completed, the 33rd Ave and Marine Drive location will become the first Dick’s ever built on Native American land.
The event marked the beginning of a unique partnership between two organizations that share a common philosophy: investing in people and creating opportunities that strengthen communities.
As attendees gathered at the construction site on Monday, June 8, excitement filled the air for what many viewed as more than just another restaurant opening. The project represents a continued commitment by the Tulalip Tribes to pursue strategic economic development that benefits both current and future generations.
“Dick’s Drive-In has a long history of investing in its employees, supporting education, and giving back to local communities. Those values resonate strongly with Tulalip,” said Tulalip Vice Chairwoman Deborah Parker. “This project and partnership represent continued growth and economic opportunity for our people and our region.
“The investment being made here will create jobs, attract visitors, and strengthen our local economy,” she continued. “Strong economic development allows us to reinvest in our community, our families, our culture, and future generations. Successful partnerships are built on trust, respect, and a shared vision. We look forward to seeing this site transform into a place where families gather, employees build careers, and visitors experience the hospitality that makes Tulalip special.”
For decades, Tulalip has established itself as one of the region’s premier economic success stories. Through careful planning and long-term vision, the Tribe has developed businesses and partnerships that generate employment, attract visitors, and create sustainable revenue streams that support essential community services.
The arrival of Dick’s Drive-In adds another chapter to that story. The new restaurant is expected to create jobs for tribal members and local residents while further enhancing Tulalip’s growing commercial district. More importantly, Tulalip leadership emphasized that the partnership was built upon shared values rather than simply economic opportunity.
“We are so excited to be in this partnership with Dick’s and the family manages the franchise,” said Tulalip Treasurer Ryan Miller. “Of course, there’s the lease revenue and taxes that will be generated that will go right back into our community as support services for our membership. But beyond the economics, we know this is a great fit for us because we share values. They have a seven generation plan, and so do we.”
Founded in Seattle in 1954, Dick’s Drive-In has earned a reputation throughout the Pacific Northwest not only for its burgers and fries, but also for its commitment to employee well-being. The company has long been recognized for providing competitive wages, educational scholarships, health benefits, and advancement opportunities for its workers.
Those values closely align with the Tulalip’s own commitment to uplifting its people through education, workforce development, housing, healthcare, and cultural preservation. Throughout the ceremony, speakers reflected on how both organizations prioritize people over profits and understand that long-term success comes from investing in employees, families, and communities.
For Tulalip, economic development serves a larger purpose. Revenue generated through tribally owned enterprises and strategic partnerships helps fund programs and services that improve the quality of life for tribal members. Every successful venture contributes to strengthening sovereignty, creating self-sufficiency, and expanding opportunities for future generations.
The Dick’s Drive-In project reflects that philosophy. In addition to bringing a beloved Northwest brand to the reservation, the restaurant will create new employment opportunities and attract additional visitors to Tulalip. The project also demonstrates how partnerships between tribal nations and private businesses can create mutual success while honoring community values.
“This is such a huge moment in the revitalization of TTFC and the old Quil Ceda Creek Casino site,” said Tanya Burns, Tulalip Tribal Federal Corporation interim CEO. “It’s mind blowing to see the overwhelming amount of support and excitement for this franchise. Dick’s is about so much more than just burgers, they are in people’s hearts. I’m so proud to have been a part of this process, and I’m looking forward seeing our partnership flourish well into the future.”
As construction plans are developed and anticipation grows, both organizations remain focused on the same goal that brought them together from the start, which is creating opportunities for the people.