I have heard that Whataburger is from Texas but I was never completely sure. List of fatalities from aviation accidents - Wikipedia This event coincided with the mass unemployment and hysteria that lasted throughout the following decade. 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. 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. The price of burgers was raised to 30 cents, and to Burtons chagrin, customers did not mind. This was interesting article especially since it was about a burger that is highly famous here in Texas. I hope to become a successful journalist in the future. However, everything changed when Dobson was put in charge of the refinerys mess hall, and it was here that his education in large-scale food service began. Their business completed the next day, on April 11, 1967, and the men were going back home. Once it was averted, Harmon began searching for a new path to success. 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. Earlier in the year, Harmon had crashed in Dutch Guiana at the northern tip of South America while en route to North Africa. Plane hit power line before crash near Edmonton that killed well-known Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. By 1951, Dobson was an official Texan. 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. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. He nearly lost a lot of money due to his drunk oil partners actions. [6] According to witnesses, Dobson was apparently taking off in a steep climb when both engines on the plane failed at around 75 to 100 feet (23 to 30m) in the sky and then plummeted back into the ground. But in April of that year, a plane accident cut short Harmon's life, leaving her with three . Family members linked to this person will appear here. Dobson and Burton's goal was to make a burger that took two hands to hold and that tasted good. [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. At the end of 1980, Whataburger opened its 300th restaurant. After the Second World War ended, Harmon settled on buying used cars, which became profitable. Dobson's journey started when he left Arkansas for Texas in 1950. Tragedy struck the Whataburger family in 1967 when a plane crash took the life of Harmon Dobson. Thats when they look at me through squinted eyes and really say, Yeah, Right!! Tom officially took over Whataburger in 1993 and is still company chairman today. With his massive profits, he dabbled in oil speculation and mining diamonds in South America. However, Dobson found success to be lonely. Drag images here or select from your computer for Harmon Archibald Dobson memorial. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. Try again. Together, they raised three children: Hugh, Lynne and Tom. The exterior of the original Burger Boy restaurant at 2323 N. St. Mary's. Chuck Blount / Staff Show More Show Less 2 of 6. The Dobson family and their extended Whataburger family rallied around and supported Grace as she took over the business. Whataburger moved its Home Office to San Antonio from Corpus Christi in 2009. 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. January 1, 1950- I think this will be an eventful year for me.1. He felt like the burgers at Dairy King were too small and wanted to build a really big burger, calling it the Whataburger. Geographical origins Published by Corpus-Christi Caller-Times on Sep. 3, 2005. This attention to detail likely led to Whataburger receiving $50 in purchases on their first day.5. I thought it was only a Texas thing and never heard of them existing anywhere else. Angel was a bit more adventurous than Dobson, though both crashed several times in Africa while mining for diamonds. I found it very interesting that they are still selling the same tasty burgers they sold in 1950 at their first restaurant in Corpus Christi. 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 menu grew as well, with French fries and hot pies being added in 1962. We still greet our customers with a smile 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 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. In the early years, Graces oldest son, Tom, enjoyed helping Harmon make the root beer at Whataburger. 10 Infamous US Plane Crashes | Smithsonian Channel - YouTube The plane went up 100 feet off the runway and came straight back down. However, over the years, Whataburger has become a legend in its own right. Whataburger proposed breaking the stalemate by approving the Laredo location only if Reese agreed to relinquish its lower royalty rate and give Whataburger veto power over all site selections, the lawsuit claims. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. I love Whataburger and it is a Texas staple. Daniel Vaughn is the countrys first barbecue editor, and he has eaten more barbecue than you have. Loved this article! Today Whataburger has over 800 stores in ten states serving up Harmon Dobsons original Whataburger. 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. Private burial will be in Seaside Memorial Park. After the settlement, the leadership of both companies changed. Please try again later. The main reason for the move was for oil. Rocky Mountain House airport manager one of 2 dead in plane crash - CBC So, he brought along Johnny Sneed, who was working with a Whataburger franchise in Victoria, Texas. Two die after small plane crashes in field southwest of Edmonton So, Dobson, being a former pilot, used a Piper Sub Club plane to drop flyers and coupons to potential customers. And as long as they can still get their Green Chile Double Whataburgers or Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits, they probably dont care. 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. He flew to Texas to scout out the oil and auto possibilities in places like Witchita Falls, Dallas, and Houston. Unflinching, she steadfastly refused. There is even a Whataburger race car and a Whataburger field in Corpus Christi that hosts a minor league baseball team. By 1960, Whataburger stores had expanded and were operating across Texas, Florida, and Tennessee. [4] Andrews surrendered exclusivity to the San Antonio market and agreed to sell the existing San Antonio stores back to Whataburger. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. In exchange, his company got renewed assurances of its exclusive rights to develop stores in Bee, Jim Wells, and Webb counties and locked in a royalty rate lower than that assigned to other franchisees. Whataburger was a burgeoning business, but profits were minimal. As one of the largest franchisees, WOA was hit particularly hard by this arrangement. By 1967, business was booming. 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. Its not surprising that people might want a bigger piece of that pie.. Were honored today to just say . 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. You can count real friends on one hand. Harmon Dobson was the founder of WHATABURGER Inc. In 1953 , Joe Andrews received the first Whataburger franchise, and business was booming. Fire Ants Have Unleashed Chaos in Texas for Decades. 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. Thats quite a success story to tell, though. Our History: The Whataburger Story 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 has expanded in the Southwest United States with about 800 locations in ten states. Really great article. A system error has occurred. ). Lawrence Jagmin, of Frankfort, crashed Tuesday evening near Illinois 394 and Lincoln Highway in Ford Heights. 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. 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. On August 8, 1950, the first Whataburger opened at 2609 Ayers Street. Statue of the Founder of Whataburger, Corpus Christi, Texas After experiencing numerous losses that caused him to lose over $5,000, Dobson returned to the U.S. Dobson began by doing dozens of quick auto deals before returning to Texas to scout for oil. During Hurricane Harvey, Whataburger rallied around the Corpus Christi community and quickly began rebuilding and fundraising efforts. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. And never forgetting where we started. From the very start, Lady Grace saw to it that Whataburger gave back to the community. The Andrews family refused and in March filed its suit, asking a judge to order Whataburger to abide by the 1993 agreement. Benefits. Normally, they look at me skeptically as if to say,Yeah, Right!! Harmon Dobson founded this famous Texas hot spot in 1950. I found this sad and interesting. Despite all these changes, we're still sticking to what got us here. They are memories Sheka said he will treasure. However, the oil business would prove to be about as profitable for Dobson as the diamond business. A few weeks after the funeral, Grace visited Dobson in Corpus Christi, and they had their first date at Whataburger. The Whataburger Jr. was added to the menu, as were jalapeos and onion rings. "I considered myself lucky to be a friend of Grace. The Andrews family has been very special to Whataburger through the years, said Whataburgers corporate chief, Preston Atkinson, during the ceremony. Please reset your password. By the mid-60s, there were over 40 stores in fifteen Texas cities and four states. Cant tell much yet.6, August 11, 1950- Nice day today $97. Following his success, Dobson began dabbling in oil and purchased a small well in Mountain Home, Arkansas. 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. 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. Harmon Dobson - Google Search He started his first establishment in 1950 as a large "wooden box" stand. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. 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 struggles that Dobson endured building such an important food chain are inspiring. 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. 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. 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. I never knew anything about the man who created it and i found it hilarious that he wanted people to say what a burger! An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. Theres no question that Whataburger, if managed properly in the public market, could deliver a significant return, he says. In our eighth decade, we entered new markets including Kansas City, Nashville, and Colorado Springs, expanding our restaurant footprint to 14 states. 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 - Wikiwand 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. 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. Heisman Trophy winner turned airman found safe after 10 days in jungle Grace Williamson and her 5-year-old son, Tom, rented a home owned by Dobsons brother Coy. 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. Serving it hot and fresh, 24/7. 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. The burger chain has large hamburgers, skinny long fries, creamy milkshakes, and more. I like to write, listen to music, and read about fashion. Fowler died after the Harmon Rocket plane he was piloting went down in a field northwest of Thorsby, Alta., on Saturday afternoon. [2], Dobson moved to Texas, where he co-founded the first Whataburger with Paul Burton, who was looking to open a hamburger restaurant. Read more: 2 dead after small plane crashes near Thorsby: Alberta . Whataburger had commissioned the "Flying W" company logo and had expanded to 40 locations in four states. The two-seat aircraft crashed into a field north of Thorsby around 1:40 p.m., RCMP said in a Saturday evening news release. Peterson resigned in 1993. In 1955, Harmon married Grace Williamson. By The Canadian Press Sat., Sept. 26, 2020 cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Corpus Christi is going to miss Grace Dobson. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. He attributes that success to Whataburgers prudent approach to growth, training, and customer service. A host of new menu items was unveiled, including the Whatameal, the A.1. Thick & Hearty Burger, cookies, biscuits, chicken strips and more. Since post-war production had not yet returned, the U.S. had a great need for autos, particularly in rural areas. 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. Cant tell much yet.6, August 11, 1950- Nice day today $97. This is such a great topic! . 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. Sorry! Ricky Nelson and Six Others Die As Their Plane Crashes in Texas The Alice franchise was a quick success, and over the decades Whataburger and the Andrews familys company, Whataburger of Alice (WOA), grew in tandem. No major injuries were reported when a Boston-bound plane carrying more than 20 people struck a fence and erupted in flames while taking off at Houston Executive Airport on Tuesday morning,. So proud & so tired.17. Always thinking bigger, the moment Whataburger began, Dobson and Burton were already seeking a possible second location in Houston. Harmon Dobson was born in 1913 in Wayne, Oklahoma, to Hugh and Ethel Dobson. 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. Its a place people count on in their communities. 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. harmon dobson plane crash - volat-publicite.com Forrest Wilder writes about politics and the outdoors. It was also surprising to me that Whataburgers exists in other states. The pragmatic Lady Grace rolled up her sleeves and got to work, teaching her children the family business along the way. 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. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. 200 RESTAURANTS AND GROWING. Harlon Gerry Dobson, of Pittsgrove Township, N.J., died Saturday at Crozier Chester Medical Center in this Philadelphia suburb, where he . Dobsons journey started when he left Arkansas for Texas in 1950. 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.. In November 1942, a B-17 bomber with a 12-man crew crashed into a Greenland ice cap. I have so much fun talking to the young employees about the early Whataburger. One year, 24 weddings were held at a Dallas Whataburger. Along the way they talked about old times and old friends. 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. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. Grace Dobson Obituary (2005) - Corpus Christi, TX - Corpus-Christi 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. [4], Dobson and Burton business venture was short lived when their partnership ended 1951 because of a dispute over Dobson's price raise of the burger from 25 to 30 cents. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. Whataburger is more than a burger chain. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. They werent in a hurry to expand, and they rarely if ever expanded outside their comfort zone and their target market.. Amanda's Corpus Christi History: Plane Crash - Blogger Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? It isnt a small business anymore, and to keep ahead of the competition, it may have to start acting its size. Peterson resigned in 1993. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. Try again later. He purchased a frozen custard stand called Dairy King in Big Spring, Texas, and ran it for a few weeks to learn the business. Lawrence Jagmin, of . The University of Houstons Barth says such changes arent unusual in a company that has grown to Whataburgers size. Burton wanted to cut back on the product, convinced that customers would not pay that much. Im glad to read that Tom Dobson, his son, was able to continue the legacy that was left by his father. Whataburger - Wikipedia The larger burgers that could be found back in the 1950s were served on 4-inch buns. In June 1950, Dobson was granted the Whataburger name trademark. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? Harmon Dobson founded this famous Texas hot spot in 1950. 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. This is a carousel with slides. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. New Year's Day, 1950, Harmon Dobson, a sometime bush pilot, diamond courier, and automobile dealer, wrote in his journal: . 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. Charities like cancer research, childrens education, child abuse prevention, and hunger are still dear to the companys heart. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. 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. On April 11, 1967, Dobson and an associate died in an airplane crash, and Dobson's widow, Grace, took control of the business. By the end of the decade, Harmon would open Whataburger #21 in Pensacola, Florida. Dobson was involved in the early growth of the franchise from 1950 until his death in an airplane crash in 1967. 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. Ive always associated Whataburger with Texas and learning more about an integral part of Texan culture was enjoyable. Whataburger was doing well after its grand opening. Weve updated the security on the site. 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. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/16533251/harmon-archibald-dobson. This event coincided with the mass unemployment and hysteria that lasted throughout the following decade. The Dobson family and their extended Whataburger family rallied around and supported Grace as she took over the business. The burgers sold back then are the same as the original Whataburger that many Texans still love to today. 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. It was an instant success, and Harmon began to expand the business to other markets. August 10, 1950- I came to Corpus Wed. Paul finally opened Tuesday [August 8] $50 first day, $79 yesterday & $62 today. 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. I hope to become a successful journalist in the future. I think anyone who hasnt tried Whataburger definitely should because it is one of the best fast food places. Dobson faced financial challenges. 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. 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. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. Verify and try again. Leave them blank to get signed up. Learning about Dobsons history was interesting as well, I didnt know that he had originally started out attempting to capitalize on the oil industry. This is a terrible time to risk messing with the Whataburger brand. Two people killed in plane crash near Thorsby: RCMP This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. 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.