[4] Burton and Harmon decided that Burton would own the Whataburger franchises in San Antonio, Texas, while Harmon would own the rest of the company and its franchises. However, before he found his landing place, he took a detour to Africa where he partnered with friend JimmyAngel, who insisted that there was a lucrative diamond business there. Victim Dies of Injuries Sustained in Crash of Flight 232 At 4:28 p.m, the plane took off, but, unfortunately, something went wrong. Loved this article! Under the leadership of Grace Dobson, the company thrived and grew. In the midst of this turmoil, Andrews, who decades earlier had been given exclusive rights to Bexar, Bee, Jim Wells, and Webb counties, decided in 1990 to sell his San Antonio franchises to an outside buyer, in order to better focus on the South Texas market. Im beginning to like it & the dollars too.11, By the spring of 1967, Whataburger had expanded to more than forty stores in sixteen Texas cities and four states since it had first opened in 1950. I like to write, listen to music, and read about fashion. ). It isnt a small business anymore, and to keep ahead of the competition, it may have to start acting its size. harmon dobson plane crash. However, after only four months, Dobson grew restless and returned to the U.S. By August of that year, he returned home. More than seven decades ago, an adventurous and determined entrepreneur named Harmon Dobson had a bold idea: to serve a burger so big that it took two hands to hold, and so good that after a single bite customers couldn't help but exclaim, What a burger! He named his humble burger stand, located on Ayers Street in Corpus Christi, Texas, Whataburger.. Whats Up With All the Kangaroos on the Loose in Texas? ! Then they ask, whats a picture show? I try to explain drive in movies to them. The prosperity lasted until 1967 when Dobson and his friend Gene Crane were killed in a plane crash in La Porte, where they had stopped to refuel. For Adler, the name on the stadium and the ball-throwing honor were small tributes to a woman he thought the world of. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. With his massive profits, he dabbled in oil speculation and mining diamonds in South America. By the late eighties the company had begun to lose its way. The meeting between Pierce and the rich soil of the coastal plains of Texas might have been destiny. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one. It has expanded in the Southwest United States with about 800 locations in ten states. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. He nearly lost a lot of money due to his drunk oil partners actions. Please reset your password. Benefits. Unwilling to compromise, Dobson offered Burton the keys to his yellow Plymouth convertible and franchise rights to all of San Antonio in exchange for the business. In part because of its regional statusof the nearly 800 current Whataburger locations, more than 600 are in Texasthe chain inspires a combination of pride and loyalty among many Texans. Dobson, an Arkansas native, married Harmon Dobson in 1955, five years after he opened the first Whataburger near Del Mar College. The other victims were identified by the Texas . Tom Dobson - NNDB It was fascinating to see that the burger/fast food chain that Dobson created (along with other people) would end up becoming the most notable food item in Texas. Whataburgers Facebook page reached 1 million fans in 2013, just over a year after its launch. My name is Courtney Pena and I am from McAllen, Texas. Corpus Christi is going to miss Grace Dobson. This tiny burger stand offered something people had never seen: a burger that was so big, they had to hold its five-inch bun with two hands. After handling freight to pay for his travel, nineteen-year-old Abel Head Pierce, a native of Little Compton, Rhode Island, landed at the Texas port of Indianola five months after leaving home. Dobson wrote about this difficulty in his journal: Late May, 1950- Landed back in Midland April 21 to find that Henry Mode, my oil partner, had begun drinking again. Little did he know that he was going to be the founder of an epic fast food restaurant. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. Its a place people count on in their communities. However, Dobson was already looking to move on to bigger ventures. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? Whataburger Fancy Ketchup, Spicy Ketchup and Original Mustard became available at H-E-B stores and online at Whatastore in 2013. At least 2 injuries reported after plane crash in Houston, Texas - CNN This is the era in which country music legend Mel Tillis started appearing in television commercials for the company, a role that would continue through the 80s. In 2020, Whataburgers 70th anniversary year, curbside pickup and delivery options launched, the companys first food truck was unveiled, and our first new large-unit prototype opened. Grace Dobson Obituary (2005) - Corpus Christi, TX - Corpus-Christi On August 8, 1950, the first Whataburger opened at 2609 Ayers Street. This time, however, it indicated that it wasnt inclined to do so. The Texas burger landscape is more competitive than ever, thanks to an influx of regional mini-chains such as Austins P. Terrys, the Metroplexs Twisted Root Burger Co., and Houstons Becks Prime and smaller national chains such as Smashburger, Five Guys, and Shake Shack. However, Dobson found success to be lonely. The Transportation Safety Board says a plane that crashed last year southwest of Edmonton killing the two people on board, had collided with a power line.. The plane went up 100 feet off the runway and came straight back down. In addition to that, Dobson sold chips and a cold drink with the burger. This, I believe, will turn out to be a very profitable investment, which is something up until May 1, I was very unaccustomed.3, Dobson aimed to make a better burger a burger so good that it would require two hands to hold it. In 2001, the 77th Texas Legislature officially recognized what Texans had known for more than 50 years: Whataburger is a designated a Texas Treasure.' Normally, they look at me skeptically as if to say,Yeah, Right!! In 1959, the first Whataburger restaurant outside of the state of Texas opened in Pensacola, Florida.[5]. Neither Whataburger nor Whataburger of Alice would be what it is today without the other. In our eighth decade, we entered new markets including Kansas City, Nashville, and Colorado Springs, expanding our restaurant footprint to 14 states. Dobson wrote about his success during the first couple of days Whataburger opened in his journal. Its a brand built on pride, care, and love. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. Ford Heights plane crash: Small plane crashes near I-394 and Lincoln Whataburger had commissioned the "Flying W" company logo and had expanded to 40 locations in four states. [6] According to witnesses, Dobson was apparently taking off in a steep climb when both engines on the plane failed at around 75 to 100 feet (23 to 30m) in the sky and then plummeted back into the ground. Wikipedia. The place did well, and soon Dobson added two more locations in Corpus and one in nearby Kingsville. You can count real friends on one hand. Be the first to post a memory or condolences. In 1956 and 1957, respectively, they had a daughter named Mary Lynne and a son named Hugh Carlton. Add to your scrapbook. Oct 21, 2020, 9:31am PST. We also elevated General Managers in our more than 850 restaurants to Operating partners, serving as the face of Whataburger in their communities, connecting and creating relationships with local schools, businesses, and nonprofits. By 1951, Dobson was an official Texan. At first, Harmon was content to help his parents on the farm, but his wanderlust eventually returned, calling him elsewhere. On June 23, 1950, the Texas Secretary of State office granted Dobson the trademark for Whataburger. Dobson then invested more time and more effort into developing the first Whatabuger.4, Eventually, on August 8, 1950, Dobson opened and sold his first Whataburger through the window of a little portable building. Dobson, an Arkansas native, married Harmon Dobson in . January 1, 1950- I think this will be an eventful year for me.1. Two summers ago, with the South Texas sun beating down, a group of civic leaders gathered in front of the Whataburger on Main Street in Alice to unveil a bust of the late Joe Andrews Sr. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. The Andrews family has been very special to Whataburger through the years, said Whataburgers corporate chief, Preston Atkinson, during the ceremony. ), When most Whataburger customers walk into the restaurant, they have no idea if the place they are eating at is a franchise or a corporate-owned branch. However, the oil business would prove to be about as profitable for Dobson as the diamond business. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. What disappointed Harmon most about this era was the news that although he was accepted to the University of Missouri to study journalism, he would never graduate. He had $2500 to invest in the right deal involving oil, and eventually, he became partners with Henry Mode on an oil lease in Loving County, Texas.2 Yet, this investment did not lead to success. Harmon Dobson died in a plane crash in 1967, and his widow, Grace (whose first date with Harmon was at Whataburger #3, in Corpus), ran things until the first outsider, Jim Peterson, took over in the early seventies. And while we now serve hot, fresh food at more than 890 Whataburgers across the country, that burger stand in Corpus Christi is never far from our hearts. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. He was able to please his customers with a five-inch burger by making special arrangements with the Rainbo Bread Company to develop five-inch buns, which were an inch larger than the standard bun. Failed to delete memorial. While passing through the Southwest United States, particularly Texas, one will probably encounter big, tall, orange and white signs with a Texas-sized W. This is the sign of the famous Texas fast food restaurant Whataburger. Together, they raised three children: Hugh, Lynne and Tom. There was a problem getting your location. Their family complete, the Dobsons embarked on the happy, golden age of Whataburger. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. Each and every Whataburger is still made to orderwhen it's ordered. In exchange, his company got renewed assurances of its exclusive rights to develop stores in Bee, Jim Wells, and Webb counties and locked in a royalty rate lower than that assigned to other franchisees. Auteur/autrice de la publication : Post published: 16 juin 2022; Post category: . He kicked off New Year's Day 1950 with a. Dobson filled that need by buying used autos from urban areas like Detroit, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., and selling them back in Batesville for huge profits. At 4:28 p.m, the plane took off, but, unfortunately, something went wrong. He was not afraid to tell people if they did not meet his standards.. September 23, 1952- I never expected anything like this. Year should not be greater than current year. The company also passed the 500-store threshold, making it the nation's eighth-largest hamburger chain. Otherwise, it wouldnt approve any new sites for WOA. After her husband died, Grace Dobson surrounded herself with a management team, became chairwoman of the board and grew the business to more than 600 company-owned and franchised stores - and raised three children as a single parent. Cant tell much yet.6, August 11, 1950- Nice day today $97. "She was a very shy woman, who didn't want the limelight," Adler said Friday. August 20, 1989. Te damos 5 razones para no perderte el Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strip Sandwich y la Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad. Dobson later was hired to help build a naval base where he worked on building radio towers, tanks and hangars. [5] In 1963, Whataburger opened its first location in Arizona totaling the number of stores 26. Mary Lynne and Hugh are both members of the board of directors. This browser does not support getting your location. 1 Colonization and Settlement (1500-1763), 2 Revolution and Early Republic (1754-1801), 4 Civil War and Reconstruction (1850-1877), 5 Emergence of Modern America (1877-1929), 4 Late Middle Ages-Renaissance-Reformation Europe (1300-1648), 3 Post-Classical History (600 CE-1492 CE), HS 1302 United States History since 1877, SP 3392 Language Variation and Dialectology of Spanish, Dom DiFurio and Oria McCaffrey, Whataburgers founding family sells controlling stake in iconic Texas chain,, College of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences. I share with Whataburger employees how my brothers and I would have 35 cent Whataburgers from the original Ayers street store before going to the picture show. The plane went up 100 feet off the runway and came straight back down. Shocked and saddened, the Whataburger family gathered around Lady Grace to comfort her and her three children in the wake of the tragedy. The burgers sold back then are the same as the original Whataburger that many Texans still love to today. The purpose of this is to explore expansion plans in the northern area of the United States while staying true to the brands message.15 Some of the brand messages can be found in The Whataburger Difference. The Whataburger Difference is what separates the company from every other competitor that they have and one of the five points of focus is to protect and serve the best products in the industry.16 With this said, hopefully Texans will stay true to the family brand as changes occur, which would surely make Dobson proud of how his company has grown. Verify and try again. Whataburger saw a change of leadership for the first time since the 1990s as Tom Dobson, Harmon's son, took over as President and CEO. [4] Tom healed the wounds that Peterson left on Whataburger by pulling together as a company, simplifying its message, shutting down less profitable locations, and putting emphasis back on its famous burgers.14. By the mid-60s, there were over 40 stores in fifteen Texas cities and four states. He wanted this burgers to be so delicious that it would make a person yell, What a burger! This inspired the naming of his company. BDT is a merchant bank that invests in family-owned companies. Known for: Co-founding Whataburger with . By 1949, Dobson was done with diamonds and began searching for a safe place to land. However, if one thinks about it, if it were not for this incident, Dobson would not have gone down the road that he did to finance Whataburger. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. On June 23, 1950, the Texas Secretary of State office granted Dobson the trademark for Whataburger. Dobson then invested more time and more effort into developing the first Whatabuger.4, Eventually, on August 8, 1950, Dobson opened and sold his first Whataburger through the window of a little portable building. And as long as they can still get their Green Chile Double Whataburgers or Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits, they probably dont care. However, news broke out in June 2019 that Whataburger sold a controlling interest in the company to Chicago- based investment banking firm BDT Capital. Patricia Sharpe writes a regular restaurant column, Pats Pick, for Texas Monthly. By 1990 Whataburger had 475 locations across the southern United States; WOA was running more than 30 of them, in Bexar, Bee, Jim Wells, and Webb counties. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. Jos R. Ralat is Texas Monthlys taco editor, writing about tacos and Mexican food. Whataburger Field, home of the Corpus Christi Hooks celebrated a ground-breaking ceremony with Grace throwing out the first pitch. GREAT NEWS! They were finally recovered earlier this month after five months of rescue attempts. It was an instant success, and Harmon began to expand the business to other markets. Try again later. [7], In his will, Dobson left the company to his wife, Grace Dobson, who at the time was encouraged to sell the company. Their business completed the next day, on April 11, 1967, and the men were going back home. Most people thought Grace Dobson would sell her rapidly growing hamburger business after her husband died in a private plane crash in 1967. . This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. Private burial will be in Seaside Memorial Park. Growing up during the onset of the Great Depression, the Dobson family had few resources, but plenty of food at a time when food meant everything. I enjoyed reading the little journal entries included in this article because it makes it more unique and gives it a more personal feeling to what Dobson had been feeling and thinking as he was starting up Whataburger. As a devout Whataburger customer this article was fascinating. During Hurricane Harvey, Whataburger rallied around the Corpus Christi community and quickly began rebuilding and fundraising efforts. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. Looking for a more secure venture, Dobson met and partnered with Paul Burton. Harmon Dobson founded this famous Texas hot spot in 1950. In 1953, Joe Andrews Sr. became the first franchise owner that was not one of the original founders, with a location in Alice, Texas. Despite all these changes, we're still sticking to what got us here. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. Sadly, in 2005, Whataburger Family Members mourned the loss of Lady Grace as she was called by many. Andrews, a longtime friend of Whataburger founder Harmon Dobsons, wasnt simply the companys first franchisee, he was its most successful, opening dozens of locations in Texas and helping the chain build its reputation. When everyone told Grace to just let go, the love of her husband and the desire to honor a promise propelled her forward into uncharted territory as she fought to keep the Whataburger legacy alive. A student organization of St. Marys University of San Antonio, Texas, featuring scholarly research, writing, and media from students of all disciplines. August 10, 1950- I came to Corpus Wed. Paul finally opened Tuesday [August 8] $50 first day, $79 yesterday & $62 today. Whataburger was doing well after its grand opening. Were not making much profit but at least they are going fast for our product.7, August 12, 1950- Big Day 141.80 What a workhouse 551 hamburgers.8, Dobson realized the presentation of his burgers mattered. Following that, he worked at the New York Shipbuilding Company, which, at the time, was the worlds largest boat-builder for the U.S. Navy. Boasting 6,000 square feet, stunning water views and a life-size bronze likeness of Harmon Dobson, this flagship restaurant is a fitting tribute to an amazing man. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. The exterior of the original Burger Boy restaurant at 2323 N. St. Mary's. Chuck Blount / Staff Show More Show Less 2 of 6. Also on the board were Sam W. Main who was vice president, Laneil Andert who was secretary, Ray F. Miller who was treasurer, and Roscoe Smith and Tom E. Dobson as board members.13 During this time, Grace usually avoided the spotlight, but she attended almost every company event. Along the way they talked about old times and old friends. Dobson, who was an avid pilot, was inspired by his time in sky, designed the orange and white striped A-frame store in Odessa, Texas, in 1961. In addition to a legacy of giving, Lady Grace made sure to instill her children with hard work and Whataburger values. Dobson lived in the same modest house at Santa Fe Street and Meldo Park Drive for years, maintaining a close relationship with her children, grandchildren and friends, Sheka said. When he opened the first stand, on Ayers Street in Corpus Christi, he envisioned selling a burger big enough that it would take two hands to hold it. If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. Eventually, Jim Peterson became the new CEO, but he left a negative impact on the company. By 1960, Whataburger stores had expanded and were operating across Texas, Florida, and Tennessee. By the end of 1936, he had a net worth of $35,000. He purchased a frozen custard stand called Dairy King in Big Spring, Texas, and ran it for a few weeks to learn the business. [2] She ultimately refused to sell the company, wanting it to be kept in the family, and became chairwoman of the board of Whataburger until her death in 2005. The war was over, and his adventure had ended. In 1955, Harmon married Grace Williamson. In 1953 , Joe Andrews received the first Whataburger franchise, and business was booming. He felt like the burgers at Dairy King were too small and wanted to build a really big burger, calling it the Whataburger. Yet, I find it insane that Dobson died so tragically and unexpectedly before he could see his fast food chain truly flourish and gain a big following from many Texans and others from different states. The golden age of drive-ins and American automobiles was just getting started back on August 8, 1950, when Harmon Dobson opened Whataburger #1. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). In 2001, the Whataburger Family Foundation officially began, though the charitable efforts had been ongoing since day one. Eventually, Jim Peterson became the new CEO, but he left a negative impact on the company. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. Always thinking bigger, the moment Whataburger began, Dobson and Burton were already seeking a possible second location in Houston. On April 10, 1967, Dobson needed to fly to Beaumont, Texas for business and wanted someone to come along with him. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? Spicing Things Up: Whataburger Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lineup Returns for a Limited Time, Get Ready for More Bold Flavors: Whataburger is Growing in Memphis, Whataburger Celebrates One Year of Delicious Dining in Colorful Colorado, MyWhataburger Heisman Trophy winner turned airman found safe after 10 days in jungle Unflinching, she steadfastly refused. Whataburger - Wikipedia The two-seat aircraft crashed into a field north of Thorsby around 1:40 p.m., RCMP said in a Saturday evening news release. Angel was a bit more adventurous than Dobson, though both crashed several times in Africa while mining for diamonds. He had $2500 to invest in the right deal involving oil, and eventually, he became partners with Henry Mode on an oil lease in Loving County, Texas.2 Yet, this investment did not lead to success. And it is crazy to think how it was once only 35 cents and burger and not they are like 4-5 bucks for the same burger that they sold back then. Police say the Harmon Rocket a two-seat sport plane caught fire after the crash, and both a man and a woman were found deceased inside the aircraft. Ways to honor Grace Dobson's life and legacy. It consists of a grilled quarter-pound beef patty, fresh lettuce, four dill pickles, three slices of tomatoes, chopped onions, mustard and ketchup. It is a place that feels like home to more than 50,000 employees, called Family Members, and millions of customers. Franchisees and the parent company squabbled over products and promotions, and the once familial corporate culture deteriorated into an us-versus-them mentality. A host of new menu items was unveiled, including the Whatameal, the A.1. Thick & Hearty Burger, cookies, biscuits, chicken strips and more. Harmon Dobson founded this famous Texas hot spot in 1950. The first Whataburger was served 66 years ago today in South Texas - mySA In a short time, Dobson had an impressive business. The plane, a Harmon Rocket, caught fire following the crash. The plane was making unusual noises and was rumored to be having engine trouble. So proud & so tired.17. The agreement stipulated that if Andrewss company identified a location in the three counties that it wanted to develop, Whataburger was obligated to approve the franchise. In short, Whataburger made it very plain that its position is that Whataburger never intended WOA would have the benefits that the 1993 Agreement clearly states that it does, the lawsuit says. Their business completed the next day, on April 11, 1967, and the men were going back home. Ricky Nelson and Six Others Die As Their Plane Crashes in Texas He took jobs at the county fair and as an apprentice iron worker. The location of the first Whataburger was 2609 Ayers Street, across from Del Mar College in Corpus Christi. Dan Solomon writes about politics, music, food, sports, criminal justice, health care, film, and business. He died when his private plane, a Cessna Skymaster, crashed shortly after takeoff. At the end of 1980, Whataburger opened its 300th restaurant. On July 19, 1989, one of the most dramatic events in aviation unfolded in the skies over Iowa as heroic pilots battled to land a crippled DC-10. Try again later. His friend and associate, Andrew Sneed was also killed. Today, more than seven-hundred of the distinctive orange and white WHATABURGER restaurants can be found in eleven states, and total more than $1billion is sales annually. The main reason for the move was for oil. It hurts the brand ultimately.. Early life [ edit] Try again later. In my personal opinion, I am glad he did not succeed in striking oil because I would not have been able to enjoy Whataburger. In the past, corporate simply approved such requests, as stipulated under the 1993 settlement. Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. It has expanded in the Southwest United States with about 800 locations in ten states. The main reason for the move was for oil. In June Dallas-based Brinker International, which owns Chilis and Maggianos Little Italy, unveiled a plan to buy franchises to boost earnings. Under Reeses leadership, WOA repeatedly won the chains annual best franchise award. Is It Possible to Be Vegan Without Eating Vegetables? So, he brought along Johnny Sneed, who was working with a Whataburger franchise in Victoria, Texas. It was interesting to me reading about the founder of this fast food chain Whtaburger, and all the dedication he put towards his work, I think is very tragic and unfortunate the way Dobson died, he would have accomplished much more succeses during his life time. The. While passing through the Southwest United States, particularly Texas, one will probably encounter big, tall, orange and white signs with a Texas-sized W. This is the sign of the famous Texas fast food restaurant Whataburger.

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