Dick’s Drive-In has closed on the purchase of the property and construction of its new restaurant in Edmonds is set to begin this week.

“It’s full steam ahead,” said Dick Spady, the company co-founder who turns 88 in October. “Building the first restaurant in 37 years is an exciting endeavor and we’ve been welcomed with open arms by the Edmonds community. Now comes the really fun part where we get to watch a new drive-in take shape and become a part of the neighborhood.”

A groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday with Spady and local dignitaries is open to the public.  It begins at 10:30 a.m., May 19, in the northeast corner of Top Food and Drug at 220th and Highway 99.

The new drive-In is expected to open for business by early December.

“We can’t wait to fire up those new grills, fry up the freshly sliced potatoes and whip up the hand-dipped shakes for all of our local north-end customers,” Spady said.

Lynnwood was being considered for the new north-end Dick’s location but the company chose the property in Edmonds instead.