His parents had reason to worry. I'm going to miss her, too." Whataburger Fancy Ketchup, Spicy Ketchup and Original Mustard became available at H-E-B stores and online at Whatastore in 2013. Today, Whataburger is a billion-dollar industry, all because of the efforts of Whataburgers saving Grace. In 2001, the 77th Texas Legislature officially recognized what Texans had known for more than 50 years: Whataburger is a designated a Texas Treasure.' 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. The main reason for the move was for oil. On August 8, 1950, the first Whataburger opened at 2609 Ayers Street. A few weeks after the funeral, Grace visited Dobson in Corpus Christi, and they had their first date at Whataburger. Contents 1 Early life 2 Whataburger 3 Death 4 References Early life I have so much fun talking to the young employees about the early Whataburger. Whataburger is so common to me, as a Texan, that I forget not every state has one. 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. Other publicly traded restaurant companies have made similar moves recently. Written by: Rebecca Canfield | Photos Courtesy of: Whataburger. 1 of 6. She was infuriated that people were telling her to sell off her husbands dream and just enjoy the money. . 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. Mary Lynne and Hugh are both members of the board of directors. harmon dobson plane crash. I had over 5000 dollars invested in a drilling deal in Loving County, Texas, and on May 18 almost lost the whole thing through his drinking by fouling up a deal only two days before the money would have been forfeited Am now interested in financing Paul Burton, a hamburger expert, in some small specialized hamburger joints somewhere in Texas. [5][9], "Deep in the Heart: Whataburger's Long History of Success and Brand Identity", "Whatalife: Harmon Dobson, the Founder of Whataburger", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Harmon_Dobson&oldid=1103833486, This page was last edited on 11 August 2022, at 05:01. This event coincided with the mass unemployment and hysteria that lasted throughout the following decade. 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. The war was over, and his adventure had ended. 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. 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. The lawsuit, filed in San Antonio in March, traces the roots of the dispute to the earliest days of the Whataburger chain, which Dobson founded in 1950 after stints in shipbuilding, oil drilling, and diamond trading. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. Dobson agreed, and the Alice store opened a year later. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Harmon Dobson (16533251)? The burger chain has large hamburgers, skinny long fries, creamy milkshakes, and more. During the early 1990s, profits declined as new items such as popcorn shrimp, salads, and steak sandwiches were added to the menu. Before the Whataburger, the typical burger was a White Castle slider, a two-ounce beef patty on a 2-inch bun. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. I had no idea that the founder of Whataburger started in the oil business! Expand the Memories and Condolences form. Please reset your password. These days, Whataburger doesnt seem so grateful. Their business completed the next day, on April 11, 1967, and the men were going back home. Joe Andrews Sr. died in 1999, and his son, Joe Jr., took overand then died suddenly three years later while attending a Whataburger conference in New Orleans. Funeral services are at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 3151 Reid Drive. By the company's seventh decade, Whataburger had grown from a single burger stand in Corpus Christi to an 800-restaurant chain that spanned every state from Arizona to Florida. Please enter your email and password to sign in. On April 11, 1967, at around 4:30 p.m., Dobson and his business associate Luther John Sneed took off in Dobson's Cessna Skymaster from an airport in LaPorte heading for Victoria, Texas. Dobson revealed that in Fast Food magazine in 1957 that flying over a Whataburger in Bryan, Texas led to more customers buying burgers. 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. 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. By 1951, Dobson was an official Texan. Please try again later. 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. If you fill out the first name, last name, or agree to terms fields, you will NOT be added to the newsletter list. This is a terrible time to risk messing with the Whataburger brand. Dobson, an Arkansas native, married Harmon Dobson in 1955, five years after he opened the first Whataburger near Del Mar College. The plane was making unusual noises and was rumored to be having engine trouble. It consists of a grilled quarter-pound beef patty, fresh lettuce, four dill pickles, three slices of tomatoes, chopped onions, mustard and ketchup. 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. In addition to that, Dobson sold chips and a cold drink with the burger. It is crazy that he died in a plane crash. Corpus Christi is going to miss Grace Dobson. 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 case went to trial in 1993, but the two sides settled before the jury reached a verdict. Tom 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. And on May 6, 1999, Whataburger by the Bay opened in Corpus Christi as a tribute to Whataburger's upcoming 50th anniversary. The exterior of the original Burger Boy restaurant at 2323 N. St. Mary's. Chuck Blount / Staff Show More Show Less 2 of 6. DeLaughters Is the Little Grocery Store That Could, The Daughter of a Barbecue Family Takes Tradition in a New Direction, The Old Orange Cafe Is a Piece of Local History, Gen Zs Homemade Tortillas Could Use an Upgrade. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. "It was a friendship that grew and grew," Sheka said. I always found it kind of weird that Whataburger has mostly been a Texas obsession and it amazes me that when they expanded to Memphis and Las Vegas, business declined. (Dobson family members also may be ready to cash out.) Their business completed the next day, on April 11, 1967, and the men were going back home. Harmon Archibald Dobson [1] was an American entrepreneur best known as one of the founders of the fast food chain Whataburger. The place did well, and soon Dobson added two more locations in Corpus and one in nearby Kingsville. As a standard for mythical tall tales and legends, it comes as no surprise that Texas holds the national corner on stories of lost treasure. In my personal opinion, I am glad he did not succeed in striking oil because I would not have been able to enjoy Whataburger. He nearly lost a lot of money due to his drunk oil partners actions. Whataburger has been highly successful in a very competitive market, says Stephen Barth, a professor of law and leadership at the University of Houstons Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management. The burgers sold back then are the same as the original Whataburger that many Texans still love to today. Harlon Gerry Dobson, of Pittsgrove Township, N.J., died Saturday at Crozier Chester Medical Center in this Philadelphia suburb, where he . Two years later, three Corpus Christi locations began operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, much to the delight of hungry patrons. On April 10, 1967, Dobson needed to fly to Beaumont, Texas for business and wanted someone to come along with him. Known for: Co-founding Whataburger with . 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. I found this sad and interesting. Leave them blank to get signed up. Ben Cauley survived the crash and James Alexander was not on the plane. So, he brought along Johnny Sneed, who was working with a Whataburger franchise in Victoria, Texas. [8] The crash killed Dobson and his business associate. 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. New specialty items included the Whataburger Patty Melt and the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich. I never knew that Dobsons initial intent was to try and strike oil here in Texas. His friend and associate, Andrew Sneed was also killed. 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
Whataburger Field, home of the Corpus Christi Hooks celebrated a ground-breaking ceremony with Grace throwing out the first pitch. The two-seat aircraft crashed into a field north of Thorsby around 1:40 p.m., RCMP said in a Saturday evening news release. . 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. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? Oops, something didn't work. [7], In his will, Dobson left the company to his wife, Grace Dobson, who at the time was encouraged to sell the company. The likeness of Andrews, wearing a cowboy hat and mounted on a limestone pedestal, was commissioned to mark the sixtieth anniversary of the oldest franchise of the iconic Texas burger chain. An opportunity arose when Harmon discovered a niche in the auto industry. For many years the Andrews family has been instrumental to Whataburgers success. Were honored today to just say . The price of burgers was raised to 30 cents, and to Burtons chagrin, customers did not mind. They have jalapeo eating contests, giveaways, and appearances from the company mascot, Whataguy. From the very start, Lady Grace saw to it that Whataburger gave back to the community. Later, he went to Egypt and worked on the Suez Canal. Five of the crew died while waiting, and the remaining seven . Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. He realized that he needed some creative marketing strategies to obtain new customers. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. This is such a great topic! I hope to become a successful journalist in the future. 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. In June 1950, Dobson was granted the Whataburger name trademark. Tragedy struck the Whataburger family in 1967 when a plane crash took the life of Harmon Dobson. Little did he know that he was going to be the founder of an epic fast food restaurant. 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. While her husband, Harmon Dobson, was the one who launched the first Whataburger, it was Lady Grace who clung tightly to her husbands legacy through terrible trials and tragedies. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. Failed to delete memorial. Numbers went from 600 to 950 burgers per day.10, August 4, 1951- Proud to be the beginning of what may be a lifelong business. A brief period of military camels in Texas became lost to even most history books. Everyone expected Grace, now twice widowed, to crumble, and they encouraged her to sell Whataburger. [4] A host of new menu items was unveiled, including the Whatameal, the A.1. Thick & Hearty Burger, cookies, biscuits, chicken strips and more. Shortly after arriving on campus, Harmon was called home to help with a family crisis. Oct 21, 2020, 9:31am PST. Harmon was a stickler for cleanliness and very detailoriented, his sister LenaRae explained to biographer Greg Woolridge. The beloved Nickel Mugnow a classic piece of Americanadebuted as a promotion which was supposed to last 1-year but ended up running for 14. Andrews surrendered exclusivity to the San Antonio market and agreed to sell the existing San Antonio stores back to Whataburger. However, the oil business would prove to be about as profitable for Dobson as the diamond business. The entire crew bailed out, with Harmon parachuting into a jungle. 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. Cant tell much yet.6, August 11, 1950- Nice day today $97. Under Reeses leadership, WOA repeatedly won the chains annual best franchise award. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. All three work hard to ensure that Whataburger never strays from their fathers original concept, which was to serve hungry people great food in a clean and friendly environment. 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. Dobson was involved in the early growth of the franchise from 1950 until his death in an airplane crash in 1967. Eventually, Jim Peterson became the new CEO, but he left a negative impact on the company. Harmon Dobson founded this famous Texas hot spot in 1950. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? During Hurricane Harvey, Whataburger rallied around the Corpus Christi community and quickly began rebuilding and fundraising efforts. I hope to become a successful journalist in the future. 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. Today, Whataburger is a big part of Texas culture, and families all over the Lone Star State can say thank you to Harmon Dobson for helping them to celebrate some of the best moments of their lives. Whataburger, which saw San Antonio as a key growth market, filed suit to block the sale. 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. On April 10, 1967, Dobson needed to fly to Beaumont, Texas for business and wanted someone to come along with him. Harmon Dobson was born in 1913 in Wayne, Oklahoma, to Hugh and Ethel Dobson. The meat and vegetables were always fresh, never frozen. Whataburger Fancy Ketchup, Spicy Ketchup and Original Mustard became available at H-E-B stores and online at. He took jobs at the county fair and as an apprentice iron worker. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. [5] In 1963, Whataburger opened its first location in Arizona totaling the number of stores 26. And never forgetting where we started. 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. But the rift between the Andrews family and the burger chain they helped build represents a struggle between the past and the present, and between two families who have known each other for a long time. Online ordering through Whataburgers app and website debuted in 2019. The larger burgers that could be found back in the 1950s were served on 4-inch buns. It consists of a grilled quarter-pound beef patty, fresh lettuce, four dill pickles, three slices of tomatoes, chopped onions, mustard and ketchup. Dobsons journey started when he left Arkansas for Texas in 1950. Charities like cancer research, childrens education, child abuse prevention, and hunger are still dear to the companys heart. So, Dobson, being a former pilot, used a Piper Sub Club plane to drop flyers and coupons to potential customers. Normally, they look at me skeptically as if to say,Yeah, Right!! Along the way she made lifelong friends, including Bill Sheka Sr., 83, who knew her for 50 years. A student organization of St. Marys University of San Antonio, Texas, featuring scholarly research, writing, and media from students of all disciplines. In the summer of 1854, a destitute stowaway on a Texas-bound schooner was discovered and forced to work for his passage. Dobson wrote about his success during the first couple of days Whataburger opened in his journal. UPLAND, Pa. (AP) _ A former New Jersey state trooper severely injured in the crash of United Airlines Flight 232 in Sioux City, Iowa, last month has died, a hospital spokeswoman said. Dobson, an Arkansas native, married Harmon Dobson in . Its not surprising that people might want a bigger piece of that pie.. The story of Dobson was well written here. In 2017 alone, Whataburger partnered with over 600 charities across its ten-state service area, donating over $5 million. Together, they raised three children: Hugh, Lynne and Tom. 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. Thank God for his drunken partners actions which led him to leave the oil business, otherwise, we wouldnt get to experience the beloved food of Whataburger! In February 1955, Coy passed away, and Dobson and Grace turned to each other for comfort. He felt like the burgers at Dairy King were too small and wanted to build a really big burger, calling it the Whataburger. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Together, they raised three children: Hugh, Lynne and Tom. 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. There was a festive atmosphere in first class that. Little did he know that he was going to be the founder of an epic fast food restaurant. Also, Whataburger expanded to places such as Las Vegas and Memphis, where the company was unknown, leading to a lack of customers purchasing food. The struggles that Dobson endured building such an important food chain are inspiring. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. The other victims were identified by the 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 burgers were always cooked exactly how the customer wanted them to be. There was an error deleting this problem. 1967 Press Photo Plane Crash Kill Harmon Dobson & Luther Sneed Restaurant Owners Condition: -- Price: US $10.00 Buy It Now Add to cart Add to Watchlist Returns accepted Ships from United States Shipping: US $4.99Standard Shipping | See details Located in: Memphis, Tennessee, United States Delivery: 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. In June Dallas-based Brinker International, which owns Chilis and Maggianos Little Italy, unveiled a plan to buy franchises to boost earnings. So, he brought along Johnny Sneed, who was working with a Whataburger franchise in Victoria, Texas. Weve updated the security on the site. But thats a tough needle to thread for a company that has developed intense customer loyalty because of its down-home, noncorporate image. Its a brand built on pride, care, and love. Published by Corpus-Christi Caller-Times on Sep. 3, 2005. Four of six Bar-Kays members died: Ronnie Caldwell, Phalon Jones, Jimmy King and Carl Cunningham. This was a very interesting story to tell! So, Dobson, being a former pilot, used a Piper Sub Club plane to drop flyers and coupons to potential customers. Following his success, Dobson began dabbling in oil and purchased a small well in Mountain Home, Arkansas. The company also said it didnt intend for the 1993 settlement to give WOA exclusive rights or lower royalties. There is a problem with your email/password. 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. Whataburger moved its Home Office to San Antonio from Corpus Christi in 2009. Since his businesses were now at different locations, Harmon figured it was wise to visit them by plane. Always thinking bigger, the moment Whataburger began, Dobson and Burton were already seeking a possible second location in Houston. Treating our customers right. This was a very interesting story as I am always buying Whataburger and hear that is was once a family restaurant but never really took the time to read and learn about the story. I have heard that Whataburger is from Texas but I was never completely sure. Sadly, in 2005, Whataburger Family Members mourned the loss of Lady Grace as she was called by many. In Reeses telling, the states most famous burger joint has become just another greedy corporate entity. 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. Whats the beef between Texass most iconic burger chain and its most loyal franchisee? Benefits. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. 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. Along the way they talked about old times and old friends. Dobson wrote about his success during the first couple of days Whataburger opened in his journal. Harmons parents, Hugh and Ethel, raised cattle and fed the family fresh beef, milk, and home-grown vegetables. Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. Harmon never lived to see his shack become a regional burger empire; he died in a plane crash in 1967. By The Canadian Press Sat., Sept. 26, 2020 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. Shocked and saddened, the Whataburger family gathered around Lady Grace to comfort her and her three children in the wake of the tragedy. He was not afraid to tell people if they did not meet his standards.. Whataburger is bigger than all of those, and that may be the point. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. To plant trees in memory, please visit the. Its a little like a public divorceneither side walks away looking good, says Michelle Hartmann, a Dallas attorney who specializes in private-company litigation. During this time he traveled to North Africa where he helped build a U.S. Navy base and worked on airplane hangars, radio towers, tanks, and whatever else the Navy needed. Tagged With: Historical Figures, Legacies. Search above to list available cemeteries. One year, 24 weddings were held at a Dallas Whataburger. The brand really is tied to both of these families, Hartmann says. Franchisees and the parent company squabbled over products and promotions, and the once familial corporate culture deteriorated into an us-versus-them mentality. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. Dobson wanted to increase the price of a burgerfrom 25 to 30 cents. There is even a Whataburger race car and a Whataburger field in Corpus Christi that hosts a minor league baseball team. In 1942, Dobson went to North Africa to do work on pipefitting scrapyard work, and cable rigging for Bell Telephone Company. By Stefano Esposito and Sam Kelly. 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. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. Really great article. Family members linked to this person will appear here. The company also passed the 500-store threshold, making it the nation's eighth-largest hamburger chain. January 1, 1950- I think this will be an eventful year for me.1. As a devout Whataburger customer this article was fascinating. However, Dobson found success to be lonely. "She was a very shy woman, who didn't want the limelight," Adler said Friday. She threw out the ball at the field right before she got really sick. 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. I am an English & Communication Arts major at St. Marys University. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Today, in 2019, it has been 69 years since the first Whataburger opened up. The burgers sold back then are the same as the original Whataburger that many Texans still love to today. By 1967, business was booming. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. Dobson was involved in the early growth of the franchise from 1950 until his death in an airplane crash in 1967. A year later, the first of the familiar orange and white striped A-frames was built in Odessa, Texas. "I considered myself lucky to be a friend of Grace. And as long as they can still get their Green Chile Double Whataburgers or Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits, they probably dont care. H-E-Bs True Texas BBQ Restaurant Is Slipping, West Texans Are Learning What It Means to Live in Bear Country. He charged a pricy 25 cents since the burgers were better quality than the competitors burgers. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). After he was killed in a plane crash in 1967, his wife, Grace, took . Geographical origins In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. Oops, we were unable to send the email. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. Whataburgers affairs were more and more being turned over to the professionals, all of whom wanted to participate in what by now had ceased to be a family business and had become simply a large corporate entity, WOA claims in its lawsuit. Wikipedia. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. 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. Whataburger was becoming what Dobson always knew it could, and his family was happy and successful.