[5] In 1963, Whataburger opened its first location in Arizona totaling the number of stores 26. The meeting between Pierce and the rich soil of the coastal plains of Texas might have been destiny. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. And You Thought Feral Hogs Were Bad. [7] The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) summary classifies the accident type as a stall. August 10, 1950- I came to Corpus Wed. Paul finally opened Tuesday [August 8] $50 first day, $79 yesterday & $62 today. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. . Daniel Vaughn is the countrys first barbecue editor, and he has eaten more barbecue than you have. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. 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. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. The airplane operated on a flight from Stephenville-Ernest Harmon AFB, NL (YJT) to Terceira-Lajes AFB, Azores (TER). Eventually, Jim Peterson became the new CEO, but he left a negative impact on the company. Ive always associated Whataburger with Texas and learning more about an integral part of Texan culture was enjoyable. Perhaps the Depression stuck with young Harmon because food was important to him long after tough economic times had ended. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Harmon Dobson (16533251)? In the early years, Graces oldest son, Tom, enjoyed helping Harmon make the root beer at Whataburger. There were nine crew members on board. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. 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. 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. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. 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. They really caught on early to the adage that pioneers get slaughtered and settlers get the land, he says. She lived simply and seldom spent the Whataburger money, aside from the many charities to which she contributed. I am an English & Communication Arts major at St. Marys University. Its a place people count on in their communities. We report on vital issues from politics to education and are the indispensable authority on the Texas scene, covering everything from music to cultural events with insightful recommendations. Together, they raised three children: Hugh, Lynne and Tom. 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. The Harmon Rocket two-seat sport plane . However, news broke out in June 2019 that Whataburger sold a controlling interest in the company to Chicago- based investment banking firm BDT Capital. The. In our eighth decade, we entered new markets including Kansas City, Nashville, and Colorado Springs, expanding our restaurant footprint to 14 states. Tragedy struck the Whataburger family in 1967 when a plane crash took the life of Harmon Dobson. Whataburger, which saw San Antonio as a key growth market, filed suit to block the sale. Dobson revealed that in Fast Food magazine in 1957 that flying over a Whataburger in Bryan, Texas led to more customers buying burgers. Whataburger is so common to me, as a Texan, that I forget not every state has one. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. Theres no question that Whataburger, if managed properly in the public market, could deliver a significant return, he says. Since his businesses were now at different locations, Harmon figured it was wise to visit them by plane. He realized that he needed some creative marketing strategies to obtain new customers. This venture led him to his destiny in the Lone Star State. Neither Whataburger nor Whataburger of Alice would be what it is today without the other. 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. 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. They have also hosted Wow fund-raising events where they combine fun community activities with charitable giving. However, early on Burton and Dobson found that their differing business philosophies were undeniable. Really great article. Oct 21, 2020, 9:31am PST. 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. The number of locations doubled to more than 200 restaurants. So, Dobson, being a former pilot, used a Piper Sub Club plane to drop flyers and coupons to potential customers. Angel was a bit more adventurous than Dobson, though both crashed several times in Africa while mining for diamonds. A host of new menu items was unveiled, including the Whatameal, the A.1. Thick & Hearty Burger, cookies, biscuits, chicken strips and more. Its hard to ignore a burger that makes you say What a Burger!. Thats quite a success story to tell, though. Earlier in the year, Harmon had crashed in Dutch Guiana at the northern tip of South America while en route to North Africa. Little did he know that he was going to be the founder of an epic fast food restaurant. Its not surprising that people might want a bigger piece of that pie.. Police found two dead people inside the. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. Dobson revealed that in Fast Food magazine in 1957 that flying over a Whataburger in Bryan, Texas led to more customers buying burgers. This, I believe, will turn out to be a very profitable investment, which is something up until May 1, I was very unaccustomed.3, Dobson aimed to make a better burger a burger so good that it would require two hands to hold it. In part because of its regional statusof the nearly 800 current Whataburger locations, more than 600 are in Texasthe chain inspires a combination of pride and loyalty among many Texans. In 2001, the Whataburger Family Foundation officially began, though the charitable efforts had been ongoing since day one. By the mid-60s, there were over 40 stores in fifteen Texas cities and four states. Harmon Dobson, a "young entrepreneur" who made his start in life shipbuilding, oil drilling and diamond training, was the man behind the burgers. Family members linked to this person will appear here. 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. Oops, something didn't work. [4] In 1962, the company introduced French fries and hot pies to its menu. 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. Learn more about merges. The company also passed the 500-store threshold, making it the nation's eighth-largest hamburger chain. Dobson was involved in the early growth of the franchise from 1950 until his death in an airplane crash in 1967. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. Dobson's journey started when he left Arkansas for Texas in 1950. She was infuriated that people were telling her to sell off her husbands dream and just enjoy the money. Following that, the adventurous Dobson traveled to Bahrain in the Persian Gulf to help build a refinery. 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. cemeteries found in Batesville, Independence County, Arkansas, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. The plane went up 100 feet off the runway and came straight back down. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. Before the Whataburger, the typical burger was a White Castle slider, a two-ounce beef patty on a 2-inch bun. At the end of 1980, Whataburger opened its 300th restaurant. 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. [4] In 1993, her son Tom Dobson became the CEO and president of Whataburger. This plane was easy to spot as it towed a Whataburger banner in the air and blared its duck-like airhorn.9, After every flight, business would do well. However, the oil business would prove to be about as profitable for Dobson as the diamond business. To use this feature, use a newer browser. This is a terrible time to risk messing with the Whataburger brand. But in April of that year, a plane accident cut short Harmon's life, leaving her with three . Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? But thats a tough needle to thread for a company that has developed intense customer loyalty because of its down-home, noncorporate image. Despite the leadership turmoil, the two companies continued operating under the 1993 agreement for more than twenty years, and tensions seemed to have eased. Andrews surrendered exclusivity to the San Antonio market and agreed to sell the existing San Antonio stores back to Whataburger. Dobson later was hired to help build a naval base where he worked on building radio towers, tanks and hangars. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. 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. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. September 23, 1952- I never expected anything like this. (Dobson remains as chairman.) You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. [7], In his will, Dobson left the company to his wife, Grace Dobson, who at the time was encouraged to sell the company. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. harmon dobson plane crash. Whataburger was doing well after its grand opening. [3][2], In 1955, Harmon married Grace Williamson, a widow with a five-year-old son. Franchisees and the parent company squabbled over products and promotions, and the once familial corporate culture deteriorated into an us-versus-them mentality. 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. In August, they opened their first location on Ayers Street in Corpus Christi, Texas, across the street from Del Mar College. 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. BDT Capital Partners acquired a majority interest in Whataburger and Ed Nelson was promoted to President in 2019. I didnt know the history of Whataburger was so interesting. Unflinching, she steadfastly refused. 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. 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. But perhaps because his dear friend Harmon Dobson was gone, his personal connection no longer seemed to mean as much as it once did. Unfortunately, Coy was protective of Grace and had warned her about dating his unsettled, gallivanting brother. Add to your scrapbook. Whataburger Field, home of the Corpus Christi Hooks celebrated a ground-breaking ceremony with Grace throwing out the first pitch. H-E-Bs True Texas BBQ Restaurant Is Slipping, West Texans Are Learning What It Means to Live in Bear Country. [2] Dobson spent most of his early life working on his parents' cattle farm. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. 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. Ways to honor Grace Dobson's life and legacy. So, he brought along Johnny Sneed, who was working with a Whataburger franchise in Victoria, Texas. 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. [1] In 1971, the company opened its first drive-through store, and in 1972, it opened its 100th store. "I considered myself lucky to be a friend of Grace. I found this sad and interesting. August 10, 1950- I came to Corpus Wed. Paul finally opened Tuesday [August 8] $50 first day, $79 yesterday & $62 today. 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. Other publicly traded restaurant companies have made similar moves recently. Dobson wanted to increase the price of a burgerfrom 25 to 30 cents. Whataburger had commissioned the "Flying W" company logo and had expanded to 40 locations in four states. In Jefferson, Kitts Kornbread Turns Familiar Fare Into Something Special. 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. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. The Dobson family and their extended Whataburger family rallied around and supported Grace as she took over the business. So, Dobson, being a former pilot, used a Piper Sub Club plane to drop flyers and coupons to potential customers. The burgers sold back then are the same as the original Whataburger that many Texans still love to today. What disappointed Harmon most about this era was the news that although he was accepted to the University of Missouri to study journalism, he would never graduate. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. From the very start, Lady Grace saw to it that Whataburger gave back to the community. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. Most people thought Grace Dobson would sell her rapidly growing hamburger business after her husband died in a private plane crash in 1967. Angel crashed fifteen times before meeting his demise, but it only took Dobson four wrecks to wake up and realize the diamond business might prove fatal. Known for: Co-founding Whataburger with . 1 of 6. After he was killed in a plane crash in 1967, his wife, Grace, took . It was such a smart marketing move to drop flyers, coupons, and carry a Whataburger banner in the air. 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. He died when his private plane, a Cessna Skymaster, crashed shortly after takeoff. Their family complete, the Dobsons embarked on the happy, golden age of Whataburger. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. By 1967, business was booming. Mary Lynne and Hugh are both members of the board of directors. This plane was easy to spot as it towed a Whataburger banner in the air and blared its duck-like airhorn.9, After every flight, business would do well. A system error has occurred. Be the first to post a memory or condolences. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. Peterson resigned in 1993. Despite all these changes, we're still sticking to what got us here. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. 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 other victims were identified by the Texas . Fowler died after the Harmon Rocket plane he was piloting went down in a field northwest of Thorsby, Alta., on Saturday afternoon. By the end of 1936, he had a net worth of $35,000. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. ! Then they ask, whats a picture show? I try to explain drive in movies to them. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. Contents 1 Early life 2 Whataburger 3 Death 4 References Early life Can College Sports Get More Absurd Than SMU Joining the Pac-12? 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. It is a place that feels like home to more than 50,000 employees, called Family Members, and millions of customers. 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. Many Texans still love and appreciate the food at this Texas treasure. 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. By 1960, Whataburger had 17 restaurants. 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. Always thinking bigger, the moment Whataburger began, Dobson and Burton were already seeking a possible second location in Houston. It was an instant success, and Harmon began to expand the business to other markets. It consists of a grilled quarter-pound beef patty, fresh lettuce, four dill pickles, three slices of tomatoes, chopped onions, mustard and ketchup. Whataburgers Facebook page reached 1 million fans in 2013, just over a year after its launch. I love Whataburger and it is a Texas staple. By 1951, Dobson was an official Texan. You can count real friends on one hand. 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. Harmons parents, Hugh and Ethel, raised cattle and fed the family fresh beef, milk, and home-grown vegetables. Great article! We have set your language to Is It Possible to Be Vegan Without Eating Vegetables? Under Reeses leadership, WOA repeatedly won the chains annual best franchise award. Benefits. Eventually, more people came to eat the fresh, large burgers. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. Read more: 2 dead after small plane crashes near Thorsby: Alberta . His parents had reason to worry. Harlon Gerry Dobson, of Pittsgrove Township, N.J., died Saturday at Crozier Chester Medical Center in this Philadelphia suburb, where he . Dobson wrote about his success during the first couple of days Whataburger opened in his journal. Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. Each and every Whataburger is still made to orderwhen it's ordered. By March 5, the couple was married. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. Whataburgers Facebook page reached 1 million fans in 2013, just over a year after its launch. He took jobs at the county fair and as an apprentice iron worker. Its competition is McDonalds and Wendys, not a boutique operation with three locations that offers grass-fed-bison burgers topped with arugula on a gluten-free bun. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. Geographical origins When everyone told Grace to just let go, the love of her husband and the desire to honor a promise propelled her forward into uncharted territory as she fought to keep the Whataburger legacy alive. It has expanded in the Southwest United States with about 800 locations in ten states. Instead, during the next 38 years, the Whataburger matriarch, who died of complications from cancer Thursday in a local hospital at age 80, played an integral part in growing the hamburger chain into the eighth largest in the nation. After World War II ended in 1945, Dobson returned home to his home state of Arkansas, where he worked buying and selling used cars. 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. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. The plane was making unusual noises and was rumored to be having engine trouble. Te damos 5 razones para no perderte el Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strip Sandwich y la Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? 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. The plane was making unusual noises and was rumored to be having engine trouble. As a team, they expanded the Whataburger chain and had a family. Learning about Dobsons history was interesting as well, I didnt know that he had originally started out attempting to capitalize on the oil industry. Try again. This is a carousel with slides. On July 19, 1989, one of the most dramatic events in aviation unfolded in the skies over Iowa as heroic pilots battled to land a crippled DC-10. 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. Dobsons journey started when he left Arkansas for Texas in 1950. He purchased a frozen custard stand called Dairy King in Big Spring, Texas, and ran it for a few weeks to learn the business. Fire Ants Have Unleashed Chaos in Texas for Decades. Yet despite its success, Whataburgers history has included some setbacks. As a devout Whataburger customer this article was fascinating. The exterior of the original Burger Boy restaurant at 2323 N. St. Mary's. Chuck Blount / Staff Show More Show Less 2 of 6. 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. 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. Sorry! 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 location of the first Whataburger was 2609 Ayers Street, across from Del Mar College in Corpus Christi. This event coincided with the mass unemployment and hysteria that lasted throughout the following decade. Little did he know that he was going to be the founder of an epic fast food restaurant. Whats Up With All the Kangaroos on the Loose in Texas? The Andrews family refused and in March filed its suit, asking a judge to order Whataburger to abide by the 1993 agreement. With his massive profits, he dabbled in oil speculation and mining diamonds in South America. The struggles that Dobson endured building such an important food chain are inspiring. Following his success, Dobson began dabbling in oil and purchased a small well in Mountain Home, Arkansas. 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. The price of burgers was raised to 30 cents, and to Burtons chagrin, customers did not mind. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. Thanks for your help! In Reeses telling, the states most famous burger joint has become just another greedy corporate entity. Shortly after arriving on campus, Harmon was called home to help with a family crisis. In February 1955, Coy passed away, and Dobson and Grace turned to each other for comfort. Under the leadership of Grace Dobson, the company thrived and grew. 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. 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. By 1949, Dobson was done with diamonds and began searching for a safe place to land. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. Also, Whataburger expanded to places such as Las Vegas and Memphis, where the company was unknown, leading to a lack of customers purchasing food. In June Dallas-based Brinker International, which owns Chilis and Maggianos Little Italy, unveiled a plan to buy franchises to boost earnings. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. By The Canadian Press Sat., Sept. 26, 2020 The burger chain has large hamburgers, skinny long fries, creamy milkshakes, and more. She also gave copious amounts of her time and money back to Corpus Christi and the state. "It was a friendship that grew and grew," Sheka said. Tom officially took over Whataburger in 1993 and is still company chairman today. In 1934, Dobson started work as an apprentice ironworker, he later became a shipbuilder at the start of World War II.