In 1942, Dobson went to North Africa to do work on pipefitting scrapyard work, and cable rigging for Bell Telephone Company. On April 11, 1967, Dobson and an associate died in an airplane crash, and Dobson's widow, Grace, took control of the business. Eventually, Jim Peterson became the new CEO, but he left a negative impact on the company. Andrews developed a close relationship with Dobson; he even coined the companys popular slogan, We build a bigger, better burger., Today, those oversized burgers and the promise of fresh ingredients generate annual sales of $1.8 billion, making Whataburger the thirty-third-largest restaurant chain in the countryand the second-largest founded and based in Texas, after Chilis. This is a great article and very informative! The All-Time Favorites menu, featuring four of the most loved specialty sandwiches from over the years, made its debut and was greeted enthusiastically by Whataburger fans. Peterson resigned in 1993. In addition to that, Dobson sold chips and a cold drink with the burger. 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. It has expanded in the Southwest United States with about 800 locations in ten states. It is crazy that he died in a plane crash. They have jalapeo eating contests, giveaways, and appearances from the company mascot, Whataguy. Family members linked to this person will appear here. 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. By March 5, the couple was married. Try again later. Dobsons journey started when he left Arkansas for Texas in 1950. Really great article. Eventually, Jim Peterson became the new CEO, but he left a negative impact on the company. 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
Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. Harmon Dobson, a "young entrepreneur" who made his start in life shipbuilding, oil drilling and diamond training, was the man behind the burgers. I never knew anything about the man who created it and i found it hilarious that he wanted people to say what a burger! Weve updated the security on the site. Whats Up With All the Kangaroos on the Loose in Texas? Along the way they talked about old times and old friends. On April 10, 1967, Dobson needed to fly to Beaumont, Texas for business and wanted someone to come along with him. Later, he went to Egypt and worked on the Suez Canal. 200 RESTAURANTS AND GROWING. Ive always associated Whataburger with Texas and learning more about an integral part of Texan culture was enjoyable. In 1969, Grace became chairman of the board. 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. Dobson was a notorious bachelor, but he had always liked a beautiful young widow he met at the C.I.T. Credit Corporation in Batesville during his auto dealing years. Dan Solomon writes about politics, music, food, sports, criminal justice, health care, film, and business. Eventually, more people came to eat the fresh, large burgers. Dobson and Burton's goal was to make a burger that took two hands to hold and that tasted good. Learn more about merges. 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. A brief period of military camels in Texas became lost to even most history books. Its a place people count on in their communities. The first drive-thru was installed in 1971. A year later, the first of the familiar orange and white striped A-frames was built in Odessa, Texas. In 2001, the 77th Texas Legislature officially recognized what Texans had known for more than 50 years: Whataburger is a designated a Texas Treasure.' You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. In November 1942, a B-17 bomber with a 12-man crew crashed into a Greenland ice cap. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. The Dobson family and their extended Whataburger family rallied around and supported Grace as she took over the business. Benefits. Leave them blank to get signed up. I was also unaware of its background nor founder Harmon Dobson. Eventually, more people came to eat the fresh, large burgers. This account has been disabled. Police received a call at 1:41 p.m that a Harmon Rocket plane crashed into a field near Township Road 504 and Range Road 21, and then caught fire. Burton wanted to cut back on the product, convinced that customers would not pay that much. Little did he know that he was going to be the founder of an epic fast food restaurant. The location of the first Whataburger was 2609 Ayers Street, across from Del Mar College in Corpus Christi. The Dobsons son, Tom, became Whataburgers chief executive in 1993. Dobsons journey started when he left Arkansas for Texas in 1950. 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. Dobson faced financial challenges. He started his first establishment in 1950 as a large "wooden box" stand. In 1955, Harmon married Grace Williamson. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Harmon Archibald Dobson I found on Findagrave.com. There is a problem with your email/password. 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. 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. We still use 100% pure, never-frozen beef and serve it on a big, toasted five-inch bun. In 1955, Harmon married Grace Williamson. Dobson later was hired to help build a naval base where he worked on building radio towers, tanks and hangars. He was not afraid to tell people if they did not meet his standards.. Private burial will be in Seaside Memorial Park. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. This browser does not support getting your location. In 1953, Joe Andrews Sr. became the first franchise owner that was not one of the original founders, with a location in Alice, Texas. A system error has occurred. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. Harmon never lived to see his shack become a regional burger empire; he died in a plane crash in 1967. Add to your scrapbook. Whats the beef between Texass most iconic burger chain and its most loyal franchisee? If you fill out the first name, last name, or agree to terms fields, you will NOT be added to the newsletter list. The exterior of the original Burger Boy restaurant at 2323 N. St. Mary's. Chuck Blount / Staff Show More Show Less 2 of 6. Even the grandchildren work at Whataburger and attend company meetings. Today, in 2019, it has been 69 years since the first Whataburger opened up. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. Having lived in Texas for the 18 years of my life, I found it really interesting to finally know the full history of Whataburger. 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. On August 8, 2000, Whataburger proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary with 575 restaurants in operation and millions of fans all over the country. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. Dobson, an Arkansas native, married Harmon Dobson in 1955, five years after he opened the first Whataburger near Del Mar College. There was an error deleting this problem. 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.. [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. One part of this strategy, the lawsuit contends, is to buy out franchisees with an eye toward taking the company public; gaining greater control over its franchise operations could provide greater value to future shareholders. (Dobson family members also may be ready to cash out.) The plane was making unusual noises and was rumored to be having engine trouble. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. It is a place that feels like home to more than 50,000 employees, called Family Members, and millions of customers. [2] Harmon and his wife had two children, a daughter born in 1956 and a son born in 1957. Dobson was involved in the early growth of the franchise from 1950 until his death in an airplane crash in 1967. Dobson agreed, and the Alice store opened a year later. 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. Some people are legendary because of what they have done, but others and perhaps the most important ones, are legendary because of who they are. His friend and associate, Andrew Sneed was also killed. Always thinking bigger, the moment Whataburger began, Dobson and Burton were already seeking a possible second location in Houston. The company also passed the 500-store threshold, making it the nation's eighth-largest hamburger chain. Two years later, three Corpus Christi locations began operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, much to the delight of hungry patrons. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. The burger chain has large hamburgers, skinny long fries, creamy milkshakes, and more. Whataburger was doing well after its grand opening. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. Harmon Dobson founded this famous Texas hot spot in 1950. Can College Sports Get More Absurd Than SMU Joining the Pac-12? 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. 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. Whataburger Field, home of the Corpus Christi Hooks celebrated a ground-breaking ceremony with Grace throwing out the first pitch. By the late eighties the company had begun to lose its way. By 1949, Dobson was done with diamonds and began searching for a safe place to land. Charities like cancer research, childrens education, child abuse prevention, and hunger are still dear to the companys heart. However, news broke out in June 2019 that Whataburger sold a controlling interest in the company to Chicago- based investment banking firm BDT Capital. Non-family executives, without direct ownership interest in a privately held company, sometimes try to profit from a companys success by heading up a public offering. Its hard to ignore a burger that makes you say What a Burger!. Everyone expected Grace, now twice widowed, to crumble, and they encouraged her to sell Whataburger. This was interesting article especially since it was about a burger that is highly famous here in Texas. A host of new menu items was unveiled, including the Whatameal, the A.1. Thick & Hearty Burger, cookies, biscuits, chicken strips and more. The pragmatic Lady Grace rolled up her sleeves and got to work, teaching her children the family business along the way. According to the lawsuit, Reese met with Atkinson, who told her that despite the agreement, Whataburger didnt believe it was obligated to approve new sites and that it could veto any sites that the franchisee selected. 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. Tom Dobson. This attention to detail likely led to Whataburger receiving $50 in purchases on their first day.5. 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. Saturday, May 24, 2014 Plane Crash After I went to the library earlier this week, I found something Interesting as I was going through my notes. [3][2], In 1955, Harmon married Grace Williamson, a widow with a five-year-old son. It isnt a small business anymore, and to keep ahead of the competition, it may have to start acting its size. Through the years, she also served in numerous philanthropic capacities including working for the USO, Coastal Bend Youth City, the Kidney Foundation and the Texas State Aquarium. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. Today, our founder's original vision still inspires everything we do. 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. But in April of that year, a plane accident cut short Harmon's life, leaving her with three . Try again. He died when his private plane, a Cessna Skymaster, crashed shortly after takeoff. Resend Activation Email. A Montana family is mourning the loss of their husband, father and grandfather this week after the 50-year-old man crashed in an airplane in Summit County while flying solo along a route he knew well. BDT is a merchant bank that invests in family-owned companies. cemeteries found in Batesville, Independence County, Arkansas, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. This time, however, it indicated that it wasnt inclined to do so. Ben Cauley survived the crash and James Alexander was not on the plane. Dobson's journey started when he left Arkansas for Texas in 1950. Dobson faced financial challenges. [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. Harmon Archibald Dobson (October 8, 1913 April 11, 1967)[1] was an American entrepreneur best known as one of the founders of the fast food chain Whataburger. [2] Dobson spent most of his early life working on his parents' cattle farm. (Dobson remains as chairman.) Before the Whataburger, the typical burger was a White Castle slider, a two-ounce beef patty on a 2-inch bun. Whataburger moved its Home Office to San Antonio from Corpus Christi in 2009. 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. They have also hosted Wow fund-raising events where they combine fun community activities with charitable giving. The main reason for the move was for oil. 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. 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. The menu grew as well, with French fries and hot pies being added in 1962. The men were killed instantly.12, About two years after Harmon Dobsons death, on July 10, 1969, Grace Dobson, the wife of Harmon Dobson, was officially elected chairwoman of the board with George W. Garrison named as the president. Grace Williamson and her 5-year-old son, Tom, rented a home owned by Dobsons brother Coy. They are memories Sheka said he will treasure. Sadly, in 2005, Whataburger Family Members mourned the loss of Lady Grace as she was called by many. Five of the crew died while waiting, and the remaining seven . Dobson was involved in the early growth of the franchise from 1950 until his death in an airplane crash in 1967. In 1952 Andrews, who lived in Alice, brought his family to eat at the Kingsville branch and was so impressed that he contacted Dobson about buying a franchise. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. . David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. Harmon Archibald Dobson (October 8, 1913 - April 11, 1967) [1] was an American entrepreneur best known as one of the founders of the fast food chain Whataburger. Harmon was a stickler for cleanliness and very detailoriented, his sister LenaRae explained to biographer Greg Woolridge. 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. The 70s was a decade of Whataburger milestones. Under Reeses leadership, WOA repeatedly won the chains annual best franchise award. Fifty years after standing in line at the first Whataburger where he made friends with Grace Dobson, local businessmen Robert Adler was on hand earlier this year when his friend "Lady Grace" threw out the first pitch at the opening of Whataburger Field. The plane was bound for Love Field in Dallas when it went down at 5:16 P.M. according to Mitch Barket, a Federal Aviation Admistration spokesman. As a team, they expanded the Whataburger chain and had a family. The burgers were always cooked exactly how the customer wanted them to be. I think anyone who hasnt tried Whataburger definitely should because it is one of the best fast food places. 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. Their family complete, the Dobsons embarked on the happy, golden age of Whataburger. "I considered myself lucky to be a friend of Grace. However, Dobson was already looking to move on to bigger ventures. He realized that he needed some creative marketing strategies to obtain new customers. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. Insiders still refer to this time in the companys history as the dead zone. Profits fell as the company overreached by opening stores in saturated markets like Las Vegas and adding menu items, like popcorn shrimp salad, that customers didnt want. 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. In August, they opened their first location on Ayers Street in Corpus Christi, Texas, across the street from Del Mar College. In 2017 alone, Whataburger partnered with over 600 charities across its ten-state service area, donating over $5 million. I like to write, listen to music, and read about fashion. Whataburger Fancy Ketchup, Spicy Ketchup and Original Mustard became available at H-E-B stores and online at Whatastore in 2013. Im glad to read that Tom Dobson, his son, was able to continue the legacy that was left by his father. Were honored today to just say . Auteur/autrice de la publication : Post published: 16 juin 2022; Post category: . Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? Harmons parents, Hugh and Ethel, raised cattle and fed the family fresh beef, milk, and home-grown vegetables. Tagged With: Historical Figures, Legacies. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. To plant trees in memory, please visit the. Dobson's journey started when he left Arkansas for Texas in 1950. [5] In 1963, Whataburger opened its first location in Arizona totaling the number of stores 26. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. Great article! The price of burgers was raised to 30 cents, and to Burtons chagrin, customers did not mind. The very first WhataGames, the company's biennial burger Olympic competition for Team Members, was held. 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 burgers were always cooked exactly how the customer wanted them to be. So, he brought along Johnny Sneed, who was working with a Whataburger franchise in Victoria, Texas. The struggles that Dobson endured building such an important food chain are inspiring. Harmon Archibald Dobson was an American entrepreneur best known as one of the founders of the fast food chain Whataburger. 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. During Hurricane Harvey, Whataburger rallied around the Corpus Christi community and quickly began rebuilding and fundraising efforts. 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. After World War II ended in 1945, Dobson returned home to his home state of Arkansas, where he worked buying and selling used cars. We still greet our customers with a smile 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I thought it was only a Texas thing and never heard of them existing anywhere else. The meat and vegetables were always fresh, never frozen. The meeting between Pierce and the rich soil of the coastal plains of Texas might have been destiny. The burgers sold back then are the same as the original Whataburger that many Texans still love to today. . "It was a friendship that grew and grew," Sheka said. Thanks for your help! Harmon Dobson founded this famous Texas hot spot in 1950. I hope to become a successful journalist in the future. In our eighth decade, we entered new markets including Kansas City, Nashville, and Colorado Springs, expanding our restaurant footprint to 14 states. Today, in 2019, it has been 69 years since the first Whataburger opened up. I hope to become a successful journalist in the future. He felt like the burgers at Dairy King were too small and wanted to build a really big burger, calling it the Whataburger. Thats quite a success story to tell, though. Online ordering through Whataburgers app and website debuted in 2019. Harmon Archibald Dobson (October 8, 1913 - April 11, 1967) was an American entrepreneur best known as one of the founders of the fast food chain Whataburger. To use this feature, use a newer browser. The next year, we awarded more than $90 million in bonuses to our Family Members (what we call our employees) in thanks for their extraordinary service during the pandemic. He charged a pricy 25 cents since the burgers were better quality than the competitors burgers.
Recent Obituaries In Moultrie, Ga,
Gampanin Ng Mga Babae At Lalaki Sa Tchambuli,
Famous Psychopaths Who We're Not Killers,
Maryville Daily Times Obituaries,
Articles H