Gender: Male Race or Ethnicity: White Occupation: Business Nationality: United States Executive summary: CEO of Whataburger Father: Harmon A. Dobson (Whataburger founder, d. 1967, plane crash) Mother: Grace (d. 1-Sep-2005) Brother: Hugh Sister: Lynne Whataburger President (1993-2007) Whataburger CEO (1993-) George W. Bush for President Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. 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. Dobson was involved in the early growth of the franchise from 1950 until his death in an airplane crash in 1967. At the end of 1980, Whataburger opened its 300th restaurant. I didnt know the history of Whataburger was so interesting. It consists of a grilled quarter-pound beef patty, fresh lettuce, four dill pickles, three slices of tomatoes, chopped onions, mustard and ketchup. Its a brand built on pride, care, and love. Dan Solomon writes about politics, music, food, sports, criminal justice, health care, film, and business. Harmon Dobson was the founder of WHATABURGER Inc. The company also said it didnt intend for the 1993 settlement to give WOA exclusive rights or lower royalties. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. 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. Thats what made me mad, made me want to fight, Grace told biographers. The main reason for the move was for oil. 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. Having lived in Texas for the 18 years of my life, I found it really interesting to finally know the full history of Whataburger. The Whataburger, however, was a whopping quarter pound of fresh grilled beef loaded with fresh vegetables and served on a 5-inch bun, and in 1950 there was nothing like it. 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! The burger chain has large hamburgers, skinny long fries, creamy milkshakes, and more. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. 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. The plane was making unusual noises and was rumored to be having engine trouble. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. Te damos 5 razones para no perderte el Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strip Sandwich y la Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad. "She was a very shy woman, who didn't want the limelight," Adler said Friday. Harmon Dobson was born in 1913 in Wayne, Oklahoma, to Hugh and Ethel Dobson. These days, Whataburger doesnt seem so grateful. At first, Harmon was content to help his parents on the farm, but his wanderlust eventually returned, calling him elsewhere. 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. Tragedy struck the Whataburger family in 1967 when a plane crash took the life of Harmon Dobson. Lawrence Jagmin, of . When I think of Whataburger, I immediately think of Texas and burgers. ). 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. 0 cemeteries found in Batesville, Independence County, Arkansas, USA. The Alice franchise was a quick success, and over the decades Whataburger and the Andrews familys company, Whataburger of Alice (WOA), grew in tandem. Verify and try again. By 1960, Whataburger stores had expanded and were operating across Texas, Florida, and Tennessee. With his massive profits, he dabbled in oil speculation and mining diamonds in South America. Daniel Vaughn is the countrys first barbecue editor, and he has eaten more barbecue than you have. Tom officially took over Whataburger in 1993 and is still company chairman today. Together, they raised three children: Hugh, Lynne and Tom. [8] The crash killed Dobson and his business associate. In June 1950, Dobson was granted the Whataburger name trademark. Tom Dobson. He kicked off New Year's Day 1950 with a. 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. I like to write, listen to music, and read about fashion. Ways to honor Grace Dobson's life and legacy. 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. Dobson wrote about his success during the first couple of days Whataburger opened in his journal. Jos R. Ralat is Texas Monthlys taco editor, writing about tacos and Mexican food. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. It is crazy that he died in a plane crash. Since post-war production had not yet returned, the U.S. had a great need for autos, particularly in rural areas. After World War II ended in 1945, Dobson returned home to his home state of Arkansas, where he worked buying and selling used cars. Drag images here or select from your computer for Harmon Archibald Dobson memorial. Grace Williamson and her 5-year-old son, Tom, rented a home owned by Dobsons brother Coy. Ive always associated Whataburger with Texas and learning more about an integral part of Texan culture was enjoyable. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. In 1956 and 1957, respectively, they had a daughter named Mary Lynne and a son named Hugh Carlton. By 1965, it was estimated that Whataburger was selling 15,000 hamburgers a day. Otherwise, it wouldnt approve any new sites for WOA. Shocked and saddened, the Whataburger family gathered around Lady Grace to comfort her and her three children in the wake of the tragedy. 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. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. The first drive-thru was installed in 1971. I have heard that Whataburger is from Texas but I was never completely sure. Whataburger was doing well after its grand opening. Online ordering through Whataburgers app and website debuted in 2019. Five of the crew died while waiting, and the remaining seven . They are memories Sheka said he will treasure. Were honored today to just say . Mr. Harmon Dobson, the co-Founder of Whataburger Co., died on April 11, 1967, which left his wife and widow, Grace, to take control over the of the business. Little did he know that he was going to be the founder of an epic fast food restaurant. It isnt a small business anymore, and to keep ahead of the competition, it may have to start acting its size. Shortly after arriving on campus, Harmon was called home to help with a family crisis. 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. "It was a friendship that grew and grew," Sheka said. Tragedy struck the Whataburger family in 1967 when a plane crash took the life of Harmon Dobson. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. Written by: Rebecca Canfield | Photos Courtesy of: Whataburger. 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.. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. 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. In my personal opinion, I am glad he did not succeed in striking oil because I would not have been able to enjoy Whataburger. 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. Cant tell much yet.6, August 11, 1950- Nice day today $97. Together, they raised three children: Hugh, Lynne and Tom. Whataburger Field, home of the Corpus Christi Hooks celebrated a ground-breaking ceremony with Grace throwing out the first pitch. 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. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. This event coincided with the mass unemployment and hysteria that lasted throughout the following decade. 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. This is a terrible time to risk messing with the Whataburger brand. New menu additions soon followed, including the Breakfast On A Bun, Whatachick'nand the now-famous breakfast Taquitos. Auteur/autrice de la publication : Post published: 16 juin 2022; Post category: . 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. However, over the years, Whataburger has become a legend in its own right. In the summer of 1854, a destitute stowaway on a Texas-bound schooner was discovered and forced to work for his passage. 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. Today, Whataburger is a billion-dollar industry, all because of the efforts of Whataburgers saving Grace. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. 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. Whataburger was a burgeoning business, but profits were minimal. September 23, 1952- I never expected anything like this. Dobson was involved in the early growth of the franchise from 1950 until his death in an airplane crash in 1967. Please enter your email and password to sign in. A year later, the first of the familiar orange and white striped A-frames was built in Odessa, Texas. 1967. Oops, something didn't work. 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. September 23, 1952- I never expected anything like this. I am an English & Communication Arts major at St. Marys University. The burgers sold back then are the same as the original Whataburger that many Texans still love to today. Little did he know that he was going to be the founder of an epic fast food restaurant. Forrest Wilder writes about politics and the outdoors. And You Thought Feral Hogs Were Bad. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. [4] In 1962, the company introduced French fries and hot pies to its menu. 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. 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. The Dobson family and their extended Whataburger family rallied around and supported Grace as she took over the business. BDT Capital Partners acquired a majority interest in Whataburger and Ed Nelson was promoted to President in 2019. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. She was very excited about that." His parents had reason to worry. Patricia Sharpe writes a regular restaurant column, Pats Pick, for Texas Monthly. Fire Ants Have Unleashed Chaos in Texas for Decades. Although he missed college, Harmon was determined to make his way in the world. By 1949, Dobson was done with diamonds and began searching for a safe place to land. Eventually, Jim Peterson became the new CEO, but he left a negative impact on the company. Mary Lynne and Hugh are both members of the board of directors. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? I hope to become a successful journalist in the future. 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. In 1959, the first Whataburger restaurant outside of the state of Texas opened in Pensacola, Florida.[5]. This time, however, it indicated that it wasnt inclined to do so. The main reason for the move was for oil. Because of World War II, auto manufacturing plants had been repurposed to produce wartime products. 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. In 1955, Harmon married Grace Williamson. 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. In addition to that, Dobson sold chips and a cold drink with the burger. A student organization of St. Marys University of San Antonio, Texas, featuring scholarly research, writing, and media from students of all disciplines. This attention to detail likely led to Whataburger receiving $50 in purchases on their first day.5. 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. 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. In fact, people love representing Whataburger so much, they rush out to get the latest Whataburger swag: from Whataburger sunglasses to Whataburger sneakers, t-shirts, sweaters, and hats. 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. The company also passed the 500-store threshold, making it the nation's eighth-largest hamburger chain. Harmon Dobson founded this famous Texas hot spot in 1950. Dobson even cut a deal with a local bakery to make special-sized buns; the Rainbo bakery had to search the country for a company that could make pans big enough to bake them. 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. Once it was averted, Harmon began searching for a new path to success. It is a place that feels like home to more than 50,000 employees, called Family Members, and millions of customers. Today, our founder's original vision still inspires everything we do. The number of locations doubled to more than 200 restaurants. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. Add to your scrapbook. Earlier in the year, Harmon had crashed in Dutch Guiana at the northern tip of South America while en route to North Africa. The children grew up working in the restaurants and are still a part of what makes Whataburger great today. . Despite all these changes, we're still sticking to what got us here. Along the way she made lifelong friends, including Bill Sheka Sr., 83, who knew her for 50 years. Little did he know that he was going to be the founder of an epic fast food restaurant. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. I think anyone who hasnt tried Whataburger definitely should because it is one of the best fast food places. But perhaps because his dear friend Harmon Dobson was gone, his personal connection no longer seemed to mean as much as it once did. Ben Cauley survived the crash and James Alexander was not on the plane. Dobson faced financial challenges. harmon dobson plane crash. 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. (Dobson family members also may be ready to cash out.) In 2012, though, Tom Dobson relinquished his CEO duties to Atkinson, a former contractor who started building Whataburger restaurants in 1986 and then joined the company in 1998. Failed to remove flower. Whataburger Fancy Ketchup, Spicy Ketchup and Original Mustard became available at H-E-B stores and online at Whatastore in 2013. After all, kindness, compassion, and quality were principles Harmon and Grace worked to instill in their employees. It consists of a grilled quarter-pound beef patty, fresh lettuce, four dill pickles, three slices of tomatoes, chopped onions, mustard and ketchup. Learning about Dobsons history was interesting as well, I didnt know that he had originally started out attempting to capitalize on the oil industry. The entire crew bailed out, with Harmon parachuting into a jungle. 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 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. Published by Corpus-Christi Caller-Times on Sep. 3, 2005. 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. For the Andrews family, this shift in corporate culture first became apparent two years ago, when it told the company headquarters, which had moved from Corpus to San Antonio in 2009, that it wanted to open a new store in Laredo. [4] No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. Along the way they talked about old times and old friends. 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. In 2001, the Whataburger Family Foundation officially began, though the charitable efforts had been ongoing since day one. 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. By 1960, Whataburger had 17 restaurants. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. You have funeral questions, we have answers. 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. Thanks for your help! You can count real friends on one hand. The Dobson family and their extended Whataburger family rallied around and supported Grace as she took over the business. From the very start, Lady Grace saw to it that Whataburger gave back to the community. 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. Resend Activation Email. The meat and vegetables were always fresh, never frozen. 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.