We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. The main reason for the move was for oil. To plant trees in memory, please visit the. 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. 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. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. Leave them blank to get signed up. 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. Along the way she made lifelong friends, including Bill Sheka Sr., 83, who knew her for 50 years. Months later, Harmon raised the prices for burgers to 35 cents. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. The burger chain has large hamburgers, skinny long fries, creamy milkshakes, and more. It was the first Whataburger restaurant outside the state of Texas. There were nine crew members on board. [8] The crash killed Dobson and his business associate. The pragmatic Lady Grace rolled up her sleeves and got to work, teaching her children the family business along the way. The burgers sold back then are the same as the original Whataburger that many Texans still love to today. By 1951, Dobson was an official Texan. After the Second World War ended, Harmon settled on buying used cars, which became profitable. The meat and vegetables were always fresh, never frozen. Other franchisees settled their disputes in a separate agreement as part of Whataburgers efforts to repair its strained relations with them. 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. Following his success, Dobson began dabbling in oil and purchased a small well in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). "I considered myself lucky to be a friend of Grace. The purpose of this is to explore expansion plans in the northern area of the United States while staying true to the brands message.15 Some of the brand messages can be found in The Whataburger Difference. The Whataburger Difference is what separates the company from every other competitor that they have and one of the five points of focus is to protect and serve the best products in the industry.16 With this said, hopefully Texans will stay true to the family brand as changes occur, which would surely make Dobson proud of how his company has grown. Two summers ago, with the South Texas sun beating down, a group of civic leaders gathered in front of the Whataburger on Main Street in Alice to unveil a bust of the late Joe Andrews Sr. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Harmon Dobson (16533251)? Tom Dobson. Together, they raised three children: Hugh, Lynne and Tom. Learn more about merges. . He charged a pricy 25 cents since the burgers were better quality than the competitors burgers. A student organization of St. Marys University of San Antonio, Texas, featuring scholarly research, writing, and media from students of all disciplines. Be the first to post a memory or condolences. [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. 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. Te damos 5 razones para no perderte el Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strip Sandwich y la Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad. August 10, 1950- I came to Corpus Wed. Paul finally opened Tuesday [August 8] $50 first day, $79 yesterday & $62 today. 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. Harmon Dobson was born in 1913 in Wayne, Oklahoma, to Hugh and Ethel Dobson. They are memories Sheka said he will treasure. That someone was Harmon Dobson, and that chain is Whataburger, which he started in a Corpus Christi shack in 1950, and which today numbers some 700 restaurants, the majority of them still in Texas. In 1956 and 1957, respectively, they had a daughter named Mary Lynne and a son named Hugh Carlton. Known for: Co-founding Whataburger with . Thanks for your help! Weve updated the security on the site. He wanted this burgers to be so delicious that it would make a person yell, What a burger! This inspired the naming of his company. 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. He died when his private plane, a Cessna Skymaster, crashed shortly after takeoff. Dobson's journey started when he left Arkansas for Texas in 1950. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. Drag images here or select from your computer for Harmon Archibald Dobson memorial. It was also surprising to me that Whataburgers exists in other states. [4] In 1962, the company introduced French fries and hot pies to its menu. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. 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,. Tom officially took over Whataburger in 1993 and is still company chairman today. The war was over, and his adventure had ended. Whataburger founder Harmon Dobson stands in front of his first . 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.. Being proud of everything we do. Whataburger, which saw San Antonio as a key growth market, filed suit to block the sale. Dobson faced financial challenges. I found this sad and interesting. The entire crew bailed out, with Harmon parachuting into a jungle. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. ! Then they ask, whats a picture show? I try to explain drive in movies to them. 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. Online ordering through Whataburgers app and website debuted in 2019. The story of Dobson was well written here. 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. Beechcraft Model 18. 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. how privileged we are to have been in a partnership with you for this long.. However, the oil business would prove to be about as profitable for Dobson as the diamond business. . Eventually, more people came to eat the fresh, large burgers. Numbers went from 600 to 950 burgers per day.10, August 4, 1951- Proud to be the beginning of what may be a lifelong business. 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. She was very excited about that." Harmon Dobson founded this famous Texas hot spot in 1950. We have set your language to Early life [ edit] Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. By 1965, it was estimated that Whataburger was selling 15,000 hamburgers a day. 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. In 1942, Dobson went to North Africa to do work on pipefitting scrapyard work, and cable rigging for Bell Telephone Company. 200 RESTAURANTS AND GROWING. The other victims were identified by the Texas . For Adler, the name on the stadium and the ball-throwing honor were small tributes to a woman he thought the world of. Today, in 2019, it has been 69 years since the first Whataburger opened up. As a standard for mythical tall tales and legends, it comes as no surprise that Texas holds the national corner on stories of lost treasure. ! He wanted this burgers to be so delicious that it would make a person yell, What a burger! This inspired the naming of his company. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. Everyone expected Grace, now twice widowed, to crumble, and they encouraged her to sell Whataburger. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. The Andrews family refused and in March filed its suit, asking a judge to order Whataburger to abide by the 1993 agreement. harmon dobson plane crash. They have also hosted Wow fund-raising events where they combine fun community activities with charitable giving. The story begins in 1950, when Harmon Dobson, an Arkansas native, came to Texas with dreams of making it big in the oil business, but instead prospered in big burgers, opening the first Whataburger stand in Corpus Christi in August of that year. The prosperity lasted until 1967 when Dobson and his friend Gene Crane were killed in a plane crash in La Porte, where they had stopped to refuel. He attributes that success to Whataburgers prudent approach to growth, training, and customer service. Their business completed the next day, on April 11, 1967, and the men were going back home. 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. By the late eighties the company had begun to lose its way. I didnt know the history of Whataburger was so interesting. Piloting a B-25 bomber, Harmon was flying with five other men through a thunderstorm when the plane's right wing tore away. Auteur/autrice de la publication : Post published: 16 juin 2022; Post category: . You need a Find a Grave account to continue. By the end of the decade, Harmon would open Whataburger #21 in Pensacola, Florida. Its a place people count on in their communities. [7], In his will, Dobson left the company to his wife, Grace Dobson, who at the time was encouraged to sell the company. 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. 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. New menu additions soon followed, including the Breakfast On A Bun, Whatachick'nand the now-famous breakfast Taquitos. To this day, giving is a huge part of the Whataburger dynasty. The beloved Nickel Mugnow a classic piece of Americanadebuted as a promotion which was supposed to last 1-year but ended up running for 14. Forrest Wilder writes about politics and the outdoors. By Stefano Esposito and Sam Kelly. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. 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. According to the lawsuit, Reese met with Atkinson, who told her that despite the agreement, Whataburger didnt believe it was obligated to approve new sites and that it could veto any sites that the franchisee selected. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. Four of six Bar-Kays members died: Ronnie Caldwell, Phalon Jones, Jimmy King and Carl Cunningham. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. It consists of a grilled quarter-pound beef patty, fresh lettuce, four dill pickles, three slices of tomatoes, chopped onions, mustard and ketchup. In 1953, Joe Andrews Sr. became the first franchise owner that was not one of the original founders, with a location in Alice, Texas. The ceremony wasnt mere sentiment at work. 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. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. His parents had reason to worry. 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. So, he brought along Johnny Sneed, who was working with a Whataburger franchise in Victoria, Texas. Great article! 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. I like to write, listen to music, and read about fashion. The Dobson family and their extended Whataburger family rallied around and supported Grace as she took over the business. Its a brand built on pride, care, and love. Also, Whataburger expanded to places such as Las Vegas and Memphis, where the company was unknown, leading to a lack of customers purchasing food. This was interesting article especially since it was about a burger that is highly famous here in Texas. Dobson wrote about his success during the first couple of days Whataburger opened in his journal. In November 1942, a B-17 bomber with a 12-man crew crashed into a Greenland ice cap. During this time he traveled to North Africa where he helped build a U.S. Navy base and worked on airplane hangars, radio towers, tanks, and whatever else the Navy needed. As one of the largest franchisees, WOA was hit particularly hard by this arrangement. By 1960, Whataburger had 17 restaurants. Dobson was involved in the early growth of the franchise from 1950 until his death in an airplane crash in 1967. Thomas Mark Harmon, 50, of Laurel, Mont., died at the scene Monday after crashing his small plane . 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: Theres no question that Whataburger, if managed properly in the public market, could deliver a significant return, he says. [2], Dobson moved to Texas, where he co-founded the first Whataburger with Paul Burton, who was looking to open a hamburger restaurant. 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. Cant tell much yet.6, August 11, 1950- Nice day today $97. Peterson resigned in 1993. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. On April 10, 1967, Dobson needed to fly to Beaumont, Texas for business and wanted someone to come along with him. Dobson agreed, and the Alice store opened a year later. But thats a tough needle to thread for a company that has developed intense customer loyalty because of its down-home, noncorporate image. 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. 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. Each and every Whataburger is still made to orderwhen it's ordered. However, Dobson found success to be lonely. Learning about Dobsons history was interesting as well, I didnt know that he had originally started out attempting to capitalize on the oil industry. It was an instant success, and Harmon began to expand the business to other markets. January 1, 1950- I think this will be an eventful year for me.1. 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. I never knew anything about the man who created it and i found it hilarious that he wanted people to say what a burger! During the early 1990s, profits declined as new items such as popcorn shrimp, salads, and steak sandwiches were added to the menu. The location of the first Whataburger was 2609 Ayers Street, across from Del Mar College in Corpus Christi. Cant tell much yet.6, August 11, 1950- Nice day today $97. And by the end of 1989, Whataburger was serving hot and fresh food at 440 different locations. 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. [3][2], In 1955, Harmon married Grace Williamson, a widow with a five-year-old son. I never knew that Dobsons initial intent was to try and strike oil here in Texas. BDT is a merchant bank that invests in family-owned companies. In 1952, Dobson opened a location in Kingsville, Texas, this was the first store located outside of Corpus Christi. Really great article. We still use 100% pure, never-frozen beef and serve it on a big, toasted five-inch bun. 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. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. 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. Unfortunately, Coy was protective of Grace and had warned her about dating his unsettled, gallivanting brother. This event coincided with the mass unemployment and hysteria that lasted throughout the following decade. "It was a friendship that grew and grew," Sheka said. Family members linked to this person will appear here. From the very start, Lady Grace saw to it that Whataburger gave back to the community. However, early on Burton and Dobson found that their differing business philosophies were undeniable. The plane was making unusual noises and was rumored to be having engine trouble. Whataburger was a burgeoning business, but profits were minimal. This browser does not support getting your location. This event coincided with the mass unemployment and hysteria that lasted throughout the following decade. Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. Otherwise, it wouldnt approve any new sites for WOA. 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. Some people are legendary because of what they have done, but others and perhaps the most important ones, are legendary because of who they are. Its a little like a public divorceneither side walks away looking good, says Michelle Hartmann, a Dallas attorney who specializes in private-company litigation. The next year, we awarded more than $90 million in bonuses to our Family Members (what we call our employees) in thanks for their extraordinary service during the pandemic. Today, in 2019, it has been 69 years since the first Whataburger opened up. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? She is survived by two sons, Thomas and Hugh Dobson; a daughter, Lynne Dobson; three sisters, Lola Stettler, Louise Abbot and Jean Florie; and five grandchildren. A host of new menu items was unveiled, including the Whatameal, the A.1. Thick & Hearty Burger, cookies, biscuits, chicken strips and more. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. It is crazy that he died in a plane crash. It was very smart of Dobson to drop flyers and coupons to potential customers so that his business to boom even more. Burton wanted to cut back on the product, convinced that customers would not pay that much. And You Thought Feral Hogs Were Bad. The Whataburger Jr. was added to the menu, as were jalapeos and onion rings. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. The Dobsons son, Tom, became Whataburgers chief executive in 1993. The young man would go on to amass a fortune in land and cattle, not far from where he first disembarked. The meat and vegetables were always fresh, never frozen. Eventually, more people came to eat the fresh, large burgers. Many Texans still love and appreciate the food at this Texas treasure. 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. In 1955, Harmon married Grace Williamson and they became Whataburger's First Couple. Together, they raised three children: Hugh, Lynne and Tom. Harmon Dobson founded this famous Texas hot spot in 1950. Contents 1 Early life 2 Whataburger 3 Death 4 References Early life 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. Unwilling to compromise, Dobson offered Burton the keys to his yellow Plymouth convertible and franchise rights to all of San Antonio in exchange for the business. Harmon Dobson was the founder of WHATABURGER Inc. Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. Earlier in the year, Harmon had crashed in Dutch Guiana at the northern tip of South America while en route to North Africa. (Dobson family members also may be ready to cash out.) The burgers were always cooked exactly how the customer wanted them to be. [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. This attention to detail likely led to Whataburger receiving $50 in purchases on their first day.5. Dobson revealed that in Fast Food magazine in 1957 that flying over a Whataburger in Bryan, Texas led to more customers buying burgers. January 1, 1950- I think this will be an eventful year for me.1. However, Dobson was already looking to move on to bigger ventures. I am an English & Communication Arts major at St. Marys University. Dobson later was hired to help build a naval base where he worked on building radio towers, tanks and hangars. Together, they raised three children: Hugh, Lynne and Tom. 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. Dobson wrote about his success during the first couple of days Whataburger opened in his journal. Try again later. Looking for a more secure venture, Dobson met and partnered with Paul Burton. It has expanded in the Southwest United States with about 800 locations in ten states. With his massive profits, he dabbled in oil speculation and mining diamonds in South America. I have heard that Whataburger is from Texas but I was never completely sure. Before the Whataburger, the typical burger was a White Castle slider, a two-ounce beef patty on a 2-inch bun. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? You have funeral questions, we have answers. BDT is a merchant bank that invests in family-owned companies. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. Man dies after crashing his plane near U.S. 40. 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. I think anyone who hasnt tried Whataburger definitely should because it is one of the best fast food places. There is a problem with your email/password. Published by Corpus-Christi Caller-Times on Sep. 3, 2005. My name is Courtney Pena and I am from McAllen, Texas. The case went to trial in 1993, but the two sides settled before the jury reached a verdict. The location of the first Whataburger was 2609 Ayers Street, across from Del Mar College in Corpus Christi. 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. 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 April 11, 1967, Dobson and an associate died in an airplane crash, and Dobson's widow, Grace, took control of the business. 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. Born: October 8, 1913, Wayne, OK. Died: 1967, La Porte, TX. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. 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. Whataburger Field, home of the Corpus Christi Hooks celebrated a ground-breaking ceremony with Grace throwing out the first pitch. In the past, corporate simply approved such requests, as stipulated under the 1993 settlement. 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. Whataburger Fancy Ketchup, Spicy Ketchup and Original Mustard became available at H-E-B stores and online at Whatastore in 2013. Police received a call at 1:41 p.m that a Harmon Rocket plane crashed into a field near Township Road 504 and Range Road 21, and then caught fire. Try again. Dobson was involved in the early growth of the franchise from 1950 until his death in an airplane crash in 1967. Andrews developed a close relationship with Dobson; he even coined the companys popular slogan, We build a bigger, better burger., Today, those oversized burgers and the promise of fresh ingredients generate annual sales of $1.8 billion, making Whataburger the thirty-third-largest restaurant chain in the countryand the second-largest founded and based in Texas, after Chilis. Harmon Dobson founded this famous Texas hot spot in 1950. Along the way they talked about old times and old friends. It isnt a small business anymore, and to keep ahead of the competition, it may have to start acting its size.
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