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. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. They really caught on early to the adage that pioneers get slaughtered and settlers get the land, he says. So proud & so tired.17. Lawrence Jagmin, of . how privileged we are to have been in a partnership with you for this long.. Dobson was raised in a small rural farming community of Cushman, Arkansas. In 2001, the Whataburger Family Foundation officially began, though the charitable efforts had been ongoing since day one. The Dobsons son, Tom, became Whataburgers chief executive in 1993. In 2017 alone, Whataburger partnered with over 600 charities across its ten-state service area, donating over $5 million. Whataburger Field, home of the Corpus Christi Hooks celebrated a ground-breaking ceremony with Grace throwing out the first pitch. Harmon Dobson founded this famous Texas hot spot in 1950. Contents 1 Early life 2 Whataburger 3 Death 4 References Early life Dobson was involved in the early growth of the franchise from 1950 until his death in an airplane crash in 1967. By 1960, Whataburger stores had expanded and were operating across Texas, Florida, and Tennessee. The two-seat aircraft crashed into a field north of Thorsby around 1:40 p.m., RCMP said in a Saturday evening news release. The plane was making unusual noises and was rumored to be having engine trouble. Dobson revealed that in Fast Food magazine in 1957 that flying over a Whataburger in Bryan, Texas led to more customers buying burgers. Eventually, Jim Peterson became the new CEO, but he left a negative impact on the company. based on information from your browser. In our eighth decade, we entered new markets including Kansas City, Nashville, and Colorado Springs, expanding our restaurant footprint to 14 states. After World War II ended in 1945, Dobson returned home to his home state of Arkansas, where he worked buying and selling used cars. 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. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. Today, in 2019, it has been 69 years since the first Whataburger opened up. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? 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. Because of World War II, auto manufacturing plants had been repurposed to produce wartime products. Whataburger Fancy Ketchup, Spicy Ketchup and Original Mustard became available at H-E-B stores and online at Whatastore in 2013. I found this sad and interesting. 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. 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. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. She was infuriated that people were telling her to sell off her husbands dream and just enjoy the money. Through the years, she also served in numerous philanthropic capacities including working for the USO, Coastal Bend Youth City, the Kidney Foundation and the Texas State Aquarium. Thomas Mark Harmon, 50, of Laurel, Mont., died at the scene Monday after crashing his small plane . cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. 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. He charged a pricy 25 cents since the burgers were better quality than the competitors burgers. Mary Lynne and Hugh are both members of the board of directors. I hope to become a successful journalist in the future. Dobsons journey started when he left Arkansas for Texas in 1950. Read more: 2 dead after small plane crashes near Thorsby: Alberta . Perhaps the Depression stuck with young Harmon because food was important to him long after tough economic times had ended. 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. After the settlement, the leadership of both companies changed. 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. Unflinching, she steadfastly refused. Our History: The Whataburger Story Treating our customers right. [5] In 1963, Whataburger opened its first location in Arizona totaling the number of stores 26. I have so much fun talking to the young employees about the early Whataburger. In the early years, Graces oldest son, Tom, enjoyed helping Harmon make the root beer at Whataburger. 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. In addition to that, Dobson sold chips and a cold drink with the burger. I think anyone who hasnt tried Whataburger definitely should because it is one of the best fast food places. 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. GREAT NEWS! 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. Along the way they talked about old times and old friends. 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. Whataburger founder Harmon Dobson stands in front of his first . He realized that he needed some creative marketing strategies to obtain new customers. Police found two dead people inside the. Charities like cancer research, childrens education, child abuse prevention, and hunger are still dear to the companys heart. This is a great article and very informative! Peterson resigned in 1993. She did not like to drive, so for years he picked her up and drove her to monthly USO meetings. 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. The larger burgers that could be found back in the 1950s were served on 4-inch buns. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. And never forgetting where we started. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. Whataburger was doing well after its grand opening. I thought it was only a Texas thing and never heard of them existing anywhere else. 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. Try again later. Written by: Rebecca Canfield | Photos Courtesy of: Whataburger. Whatabusiness! - Texas Monthly Whataburgers Facebook page reached 1 million fans in 2013, just over a year after its launch. Ricky Nelson and Six Others Die As Their Plane Crashes in Texas He died when his private plane, a Cessna Skymaster, crashed shortly after takeoff. Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. Jos R. Ralat is Texas Monthlys taco editor, writing about tacos and Mexican food. 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 best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. 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. Its not surprising that people might want a bigger piece of that pie.. We still use 100% pure, never-frozen beef and serve it on a big, toasted five-inch bun. It is a place that feels like home to more than 50,000 employees, called Family Members, and millions of customers. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. Earlier this year, Andrewss company, now run by his daughter, Kathy Andrews Reese, sued the restaurant chain, claiming that Whataburger had reneged on a 22-year-old agreement between the two companies. Along the way she made lifelong friends, including Bill Sheka Sr., 83, who knew her for 50 years. It consists of a grilled quarter-pound beef patty, fresh lettuce, four dill pickles, three slices of tomatoes, chopped onions, mustard and ketchup. Published by Corpus-Christi Caller-Times on Sep. 3, 2005. In Reeses telling, the states most famous burger joint has become just another greedy corporate entity. 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. 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. The very first WhataGames, the company's biennial burger Olympic competition for Team Members, was held. Dobson faced financial challenges. In 1934, Dobson started work as an apprentice ironworker, he later became a shipbuilder at the start of World War II. Dobson was involved in the early growth of the franchise from 1950 until his death in an airplane crash in 1967. Today, in 2019, it has been 69 years since the first Whataburger opened up. This time, however, it indicated that it wasnt inclined to do so. The '70s was a decade of Whataburger milestones. BDT Capital Partners acquired a majority interest in Whataburger and Ed Nelson was promoted to President in 2019. With his massive profits, he dabbled in oil speculation and mining diamonds in South America. 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. A year later, the first of the familiar orange and white striped A-frames was built in Odessa, Texas. Es Cuaresma y Whataburger lo sabe: El Whatacatch, est de regreso! 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 will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. He took jobs at the county fair and as an apprentice iron worker. Dobson was involved in the early growth of the franchise from 1950 until his death in an airplane crash in 1967. Harmon Dobson was sixteen years old on Black Friday, but this first Black Friday was no shopping extravaganza: it marked the most devastating stock market crash in United States history. 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: There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. Dobson was involved in the early growth of the franchise from 1950 until his death in an airplane crash in 1967. Dobson's journey started when he left Arkansas for Texas in 1950. Heisman Trophy winner turned airman found safe after 10 days in jungle Dobson was involved in the early growth of the franchise from 1950 until his death in an airplane crash in 1967. 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. Harlon Gerry Dobson, of Pittsgrove Township, N.J., died Saturday at Crozier Chester Medical Center in this Philadelphia suburb, where he . In Jefferson, Kitts Kornbread Turns Familiar Fare Into Something Special. Make sure that the file is a photo. In the summer of 1854, a destitute stowaway on a Texas-bound schooner was discovered and forced to work for his passage. His mother, Louise, and his sister, Kathy Reese, ran the business until Louise died, in 2005, leaving Reese in charge. Ways to honor Grace Dobson's life and legacy. Tom Harmon is Missing | University of Michigan Heritage Project Eventually, more people came to eat the fresh, large burgers. By The Canadian Press Sat., Sept. 26, 2020 How Florence ButtNot Her SonLaunched the H-E-B Empire, Jimmy Carters Peanut-and-Egg Taco Made Quite the Impression on San Antonians, The Top 50 Texas BBQ Joints: 2021 Edition. Harmon Dobson was the founder of WHATABURGER Inc. At first, Harmon was content to help his parents on the farm, but his wanderlust eventually returned, calling him elsewhere. Boasting 6,000 square feet, stunning water views and a life-size bronze likeness of Harmon Dobson, this flagship restaurant is a fitting tribute to an amazing man. During the early 1990s, profits declined as new items such as popcorn shrimp, salads, and steak sandwiches were added to the menu. Little did he know that he was going to be the founder of an epic fast food restaurant. 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 Sadly, in 2005, Whataburger Family Members mourned the loss of Lady Grace as she was called by many. A student organization of St. Marys University of San Antonio, Texas, featuring scholarly research, writing, and media from students of all disciplines. Ben Cauley survived the crash and James Alexander was not on the plane. Dobson's journey started when he left Arkansas for Texas in 1950. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. [4] In 1993, her son Tom Dobson became the CEO and president of Whataburger. Later, he went to Egypt and worked on the Suez Canal. These days, Whataburger doesnt seem so grateful. Wikipedia. By the end of 1950, Dobson had quit both the oil and auto industries and made Whataburger his sole venture. Were honored today to just say . We still greet our customers with a smile 24 hours a day, seven days a week. My name is Courtney Pena and I am from McAllen, Texas. The brand really is tied to both of these families, Hartmann says. Try again. Harmon Dobson - Wikipedia September 23, 1952- I never expected anything like this. 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. . There was a festive atmosphere in first class that. She was very excited about that." I didnt know the history of Whataburger was so interesting. 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. 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. His friend and associate, Andrew Sneed was also killed. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? Their family complete, the Dobsons embarked on the happy, golden age of Whataburger. 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. Whataburger - Wikipedia Whataburger was becoming what Dobson always knew it could, and his family was happy and successful. Two die after small plane crashes in field southwest of Edmonton The main reason for the move was for oil. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. H-E-Bs True Texas BBQ Restaurant Is Slipping, West Texans Are Learning What It Means to Live in Bear Country. "But through all of their giving and the charitable things that they did for the community and the state of Texas it glowed down on her anyway. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. 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. Wow! The place did well, and soon Dobson added two more locations in Corpus and one in nearby Kingsville. Whataburger was a burgeoning business, but profits were minimal. 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. The Andrews family refused and in March filed its suit, asking a judge to order Whataburger to abide by the 1993 agreement. At the end of 1980, Whataburger opened its 300th restaurant. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. Whataburger Fancy Ketchup, Spicy Ketchup and Original Mustard became available at H-E-B stores and online at. In 1969, Grace became chairman of the board. I never knew that Dobsons initial intent was to try and strike oil here in Texas. The pragmatic Lady Grace rolled up her sleeves and got to work, teaching her children the family business along the way. Harmon Dobson founded this famous Texas hot spot in 1950. 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. I had no idea that the founder, Harmon Dobson, was not originally from here. "It was a friendship that grew and grew," Sheka said. 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. So, he brought along Johnny Sneed, who was working with a Whataburger franchise in Victoria, Texas. [4] In 1962, the company introduced French fries and hot pies to its menu. Were not making much profit but at least they are going fast for our product.7, August 12, 1950- Big Day 141.80 What a workhouse 551 hamburgers.8, Dobson realized the presentation of his burgers mattered. Sorry! I hope to become a successful journalist in the future. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. 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. The burgers sold back then are the same as the original Whataburger that many Texans still love to today. They are memories Sheka said he will treasure. The location of the first Whataburger was 2609 Ayers Street, across from Del Mar College in Corpus Christi. A few weeks after the funeral, Grace visited Dobson in Corpus Christi, and they had their first date at Whataburger. 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. 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. 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. harmon dobson plane crash - volat-publicite.com In 1955, Harmon married Grace Williamson. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. Thanks for your help! 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. Theres no question that Whataburger, if managed properly in the public market, could deliver a significant return, he says. 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. Its so interesting that he aimed to create a burger that would require hands to hold it. . Failed to delete memorial. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. This is a carousel with slides. And You Thought Feral Hogs Were Bad. Its hard to ignore a burger that makes you say What a Burger!. Try again later. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). ! He kicked off New Year's Day 1950 with a. 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. 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. But in April of that year, a plane accident cut short Harmon's life, leaving her with three . You can count real friends on one hand. The company also passed the 500-store threshold, making it the nation's eighth-largest hamburger chain.