He nearly lost a lot of money due to his drunk oil partners actions. Try again. 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. Harmon was a stickler for cleanliness and very detailoriented, his sister LenaRae explained to biographer Greg Woolridge. 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 story of Dobson was well written here. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. By the mid-60s, there were over 40 stores in fifteen Texas cities and four states. It hurts the brand ultimately.. The burgers sold back then are the same as the original Whataburger that many Texans still love to today. This event coincided with the mass unemployment and hysteria that lasted throughout the following decade. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. Benefits. If you fill out the first name, last name, or agree to terms fields, you will NOT be added to the newsletter list. The plane was making unusual noises and was rumored to be having engine trouble. In 1953, Joe Andrews Sr. became the first franchise owner that was not one of the original founders, with a location in Alice, Texas. Dobson was involved in the early growth of the franchise from 1950 until his death in an airplane crash in 1967. 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. Sorry! 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. 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. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Other franchisees settled their disputes in a separate agreement as part of Whataburgers efforts to repair its strained relations with them. He started his first establishment in 1950 as a large "wooden box" stand. Along the way they talked about old times and old friends. A host of new menu items was unveiled, including the Whatameal, the A.1. Thick & Hearty Burger, cookies, biscuits, chicken strips and more. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Harmon Archibald Dobson I found on Findagrave.com. Tagged With: Historical Figures, Legacies. Because of World War II, auto manufacturing plants had been repurposed to produce wartime products. Even the grandchildren work at Whataburger and attend company meetings. Its hard to ignore a burger that makes you say What a Burger!. Cant tell much yet.6, August 11, 1950- Nice day today $97. 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. By the end of 1950, Dobson had quit both the oil and auto industries and made Whataburger his sole venture. However, the oil business would prove to be about as profitable for Dobson as the diamond business. It was such a smart marketing move to drop flyers, coupons, and carry a Whataburger banner in the air. Proving everyone wrong, Grace lived her entire life in the same house that her husband bought her. They were finally recovered earlier this month after five months of rescue attempts. [4] In 1993, her son Tom Dobson became the CEO and president of Whataburger. 10 Infamous US Plane Crashes | Smithsonian Channel - YouTube A Douglas C-124C Globemaster II plane, serial 52-1062, was damaged beyond repair in an accident 10 km from Stephenville-Harmon AFB, NL (YJT), Canada. "I considered myself lucky to be a friend of Grace. Thats quite a success story to tell, though. Beechcraft Model 18. [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. Unique 30-foot-tall A-frame design spiked interest in Whataburger 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. Franchisees also sued over a mandatory rebate plan, which WOA claims amounted to forcing vendors to pay illegal rebates, kickbacks, and bribes to Whataburger and its executives. Thats what made me mad, made me want to fight, Grace told biographers. As a team, they expanded the Whataburger chain and had a family. Whatabusiness! - Texas Monthly Dobson's journey started when he left Arkansas for Texas in 1950. She lived simply and seldom spent the Whataburger money, aside from the many charities to which she contributed. It isnt a small business anymore, and to keep ahead of the competition, it may have to start acting its size. 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. Harmon Dobson founded this famous Texas hot spot in 1950. 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. Before the Whataburger, the typical burger was a White Castle slider, a two-ounce beef patty on a 2-inch bun. Learn more about managing a memorial . Statue of the Founder of Whataburger, Corpus Christi, Texas After the Second World War ended, Harmon settled on buying used cars, which became profitable. The '70s was a decade of Whataburger milestones. She was infuriated that people were telling her to sell off her husbands dream and just enjoy the money. 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. One year, 24 weddings were held at a Dallas Whataburger. January 1, 1950- I think this will be an eventful year for me.1. Please try again later. In the early years, Graces oldest son, Tom, enjoyed helping Harmon make the root beer at Whataburger. And a new building design, which retained the spirit of the original A-frame, was unveiled. Contents 1 Early life 2 Whataburger 3 Death 4 References Early life On April 11, 1967, Dobson and an associate died in an airplane crash, and Dobson's widow, Grace, took control of the business. Harmon Dobson, a "young entrepreneur" who made his start in life shipbuilding, oil drilling and diamond training, was the man behind the burgers. Eventually, more people came to eat the fresh, large burgers. Its not surprising that people might want a bigger piece of that pie.. 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. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. 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. Whataburger is more than a burger chain. 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. Harlon Gerry Dobson, of Pittsgrove Township, N.J., died Saturday at Crozier Chester Medical Center in this Philadelphia suburb, where he . Dobson agreed, and the Alice store opened a year later. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. The University of Houstons Barth says such changes arent unusual in a company that has grown to Whataburgers size. After the settlement, the leadership of both companies changed. 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. I am an English & Communication Arts major at St. Marys University. Victim Dies of Injuries Sustained in Crash of Flight 232 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. This is such a great topic! Plane hit power line before crash near Edmonton that killed well-known So, Dobson, being a former pilot, used a Piper Sub Club plane to drop flyers and coupons to potential customers. Today, Whataburger is a billion-dollar industry, all because of the efforts of Whataburgers saving Grace. I hope to become a successful journalist in the future. "It was a friendship that grew and grew," Sheka said. . Wikipedia. Try again later. Most people thought Grace Dobson would sell her rapidly growing hamburger business after her husband died in a private plane crash in 1967. Dobson was involved in the early growth of the franchise from 1950 until his death in an airplane crash in 1967. 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. During the early 1990s, profits declined as new items such as popcorn shrimp, salads, and steak sandwiches were added to the menu. 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. The location of the first Whataburger was 2609 Ayers Street, across from Del Mar College in Corpus Christi. She was very excited about that." Harmon never lived to see his shack become a regional burger empire; he died in a plane crash in 1967. Today, our founder's original vision still inspires everything we do. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. 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. A student organization of St. Marys University of San Antonio, Texas, featuring scholarly research, writing, and media from students of all disciplines. In addition to that, Dobson sold chips and a cold drink with the burger. The burgers were always cooked exactly how the customer wanted them to be. 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. A brief period of military camels in Texas became lost to even most history books. Were honored today to just say . Learning about Dobsons history was interesting as well, I didnt know that he had originally started out attempting to capitalize on the oil industry. He nearly lost a lot of money due to his drunk oil partners actions. Really great article. Great article! Dobson and Burton scouted out several locations for their big burger venture before settling on Corpus Christi. The plane was making unusual noises and was rumored to be having engine trouble. [2] Dobson spent most of his early life working on his parents' cattle farm. based on information from your browser. Known for: Co-founding Whataburger with . Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. Four of six Bar-Kays members died: Ronnie Caldwell, Phalon Jones, Jimmy King and Carl Cunningham. At age 16, Dobson was accepted into the University of Missouri to study journalism, but was forced to return to his family farm soon after attending due to a family crisis at home due to the Great Depression. [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. By the end of 1936, he had a net worth of $35,000. The Whataburger Jr. was added to the menu, as were jalapeos and onion rings. Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. Cant tell much yet.6, August 11, 1950- Nice day today $97. The Alice franchise was a quick success, and over the decades Whataburger and the Andrews familys company, Whataburger of Alice (WOA), grew in tandem. The main reason for the move was for oil. It consists of a grilled quarter-pound beef patty, fresh lettuce, four dill pickles, three slices of tomatoes, chopped onions, mustard and ketchup. Whataburger dismisses WOAs allegations, saying the suit contains serious misstatements and baseless speculation. (Whataburger and WOA and their attorneys declined to be interviewed for this story. Is It Possible to Be Vegan Without Eating Vegetables? Unfortunately, Coy was protective of Grace and had warned her about dating his unsettled, gallivanting brother. 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. Whataburgers Facebook page reached 1 million fans in 2013, just over a year after its launch. Geographical origins [3][2], In 1955, Harmon married Grace Williamson, a widow with a five-year-old son. 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. Unflinching, she steadfastly refused. Whataburger - Wikipedia 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. Being proud of everything we do. Oct 21, 2020, 9:31am PST. By 1960, Whataburger stores had expanded and were operating across Texas, Florida, and Tennessee. I didnt know the history of Whataburger was so interesting. 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. 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. how privileged we are to have been in a partnership with you for this long.. 9 Intense Plane Crashes Caused By Stalls Smithsonian Channel Smithsonian Channel Aviation Nation 3.2M views 2 years ago 8 Bad Weather Plane Crashes Smithsonian Channel Smithsonian. The airplane operated on a flight from Stephenville-Ernest Harmon AFB, NL (YJT) to Terceira-Lajes AFB, Azores (TER). New Year's Day, 1950, Harmon Dobson, a sometime bush pilot, diamond courier, and automobile dealer, wrote in his journal: . On August 8, 2000, Whataburger proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary with 575 restaurants in operation and millions of fans all over the country. 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. By the late eighties the company had begun to lose its way. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. The main reason for the move was for oil. By Stefano Esposito and Sam Kelly. In the summer of 1854, a destitute stowaway on a Texas-bound schooner was discovered and forced to work for his passage. From the very start, Lady Grace saw to it that Whataburger gave back to the community. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. He felt like the burgers at Dairy King were too small and wanted to build a really big burger, calling it the Whataburger. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. 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. Yet despite its success, Whataburgers history has included some setbacks. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. Year should not be greater than current year.