Along the way she made lifelong friends, including Bill Sheka Sr., 83, who knew her for 50 years. The young man would go on to amass a fortune in land and cattle, not far from where he first disembarked. In Reeses telling, the states most famous burger joint has become just another greedy corporate entity. 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. 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. 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. Its so interesting that he aimed to create a burger that would require hands to hold it. By the end of 1936, he had a net worth of $35,000. The main reason for the move was for oil. [1] In 1971, the company opened its first drive-through store, and in 1972, it opened its 100th store. Harmon Archibald Dobson (October 8, 1913 - April 11, 1967) was an American entrepreneur best known as one of the founders of the fast food chain Whataburger. I like to write, listen to music, and read about fashion. harmon dobson plane crash. In November 1942, a B-17 bomber with a 12-man crew crashed into a Greenland ice cap. The wreckage of a military plane found this month on an Alaska glacier is that of an Air Force plane that crashed in 1952, killing all 52 people aboard, military officials said Wednesday. Its a little like a public divorceneither side walks away looking good, says Michelle Hartmann, a Dallas attorney who specializes in private-company litigation. Whataburgers Facebook page reached 1 million fans in 2013, just over a year after its launch. I never knew anything about the man who created it and i found it hilarious that he wanted people to say what a burger! 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. An opportunity arose when Harmon discovered a niche in the auto industry. Really great article. In 1942, Dobson went to North Africa to do work on pipefitting scrapyard work, and cable rigging for Bell Telephone Company. Harmon Dobson was the founder of WHATABURGER Inc. This was a very interesting story to tell! ), When most Whataburger customers walk into the restaurant, they have no idea if the place they are eating at is a franchise or a corporate-owned branch. She was infuriated that people were telling her to sell off her husbands dream and just enjoy the money. Harmon's is not the only plane crash to go against the drop in accidents that the War Department are reporting. To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one. Ive always enjoyed eating the food there and its a top 3 fast food chain for me. Resend Activation Email. Police found two dead people inside the. On April 11, 1967, at around 4:30 p.m., Dobson and his business associate Luther John Sneed took off in Dobson's Cessna Skymaster from an airport in LaPorte heading for Victoria, Texas. . 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. After hearing from a friend in Houston that Texas was teeming with both cars and oil, Dobson, whose business ventures now had him traveling halfway across the U.S., purchased a private plane and learned to fly it. Great article! Unfortunately, Coy was protective of Grace and had warned her about dating his unsettled, gallivanting brother. Whatabattle! - Texas Monthly Dobson, who was an avid pilot, was inspired by his time in sky, designed the orange and white striped A-frame store in Odessa, Texas, in 1961. The airplane operated on a flight from Stephenville-Ernest Harmon AFB, NL (YJT) to Terceira-Lajes AFB, Azores (TER). BDT is a merchant bank that invests in family-owned companies. Serving it hot and fresh, 24/7. He nearly lost a lot of money due to his drunk oil partners actions. Leave them blank to get signed up. 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 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. They werent in a hurry to expand, and they rarely if ever expanded outside their comfort zone and their target market.. Although he missed college, Harmon was determined to make his way in the world. 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. 0 cemeteries found in Batesville, Independence County, Arkansas, USA. 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. In 2001, the 77th Texas Legislature officially recognized what Texans had known for more than 50 years: Whataburger is a designated a Texas Treasure.' In August, they opened their first location on Ayers Street in Corpus Christi, Texas, across the street from Del Mar College. 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. Private burial will be in Seaside Memorial Park. Shortly after arriving on campus, Harmon was called home to help with a family crisis. 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. Written by: Rebecca Canfield | Photos Courtesy of: Whataburger. Despite the leadership turmoil, the two companies continued operating under the 1993 agreement for more than twenty years, and tensions seemed to have eased. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. There is a problem with your email/password. Whataburger had commissioned the "Flying W" company logo and had expanded to 40 locations in four states. 1967. Also, Whataburger expanded to places such as Las Vegas and Memphis, where the company was unknown, leading to a lack of customers purchasing food. The location of the first Whataburger was 2609 Ayers Street, across from Del Mar College in Corpus Christi. [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. It was very smart of Dobson to drop flyers and coupons to potential customers so that his business to boom even more. Grace Williamson and her 5-year-old son, Tom, rented a home owned by Dobsons brother Coy. The meeting between Pierce and the rich soil of the coastal plains of Texas might have been destiny. Since post-war production had not yet returned, the U.S. had a great need for autos, particularly in rural areas. His friend and associate, Andrew Sneed was also killed. The number of locations doubled to more than 200 restaurants. And on May 6, 1999, Whataburger by the Bay opened in Corpus Christi as a tribute to Whataburger's upcoming 50th anniversary. The Whataburger Jr. was added to the menu, as were jalapeos and onion rings. 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. The case went to trial in 1993, but the two sides settled before the jury reached a verdict. They are memories Sheka said he will treasure. List of fatalities from aviation accidents - Wikipedia 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. Harmon Dobson - Wikiwand Dobson wanted to increase the price of a burgerfrom 25 to 30 cents. Heisman Trophy winner turned airman found safe after 10 days in jungle Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. Born: October 8, 1913, Wayne, OK. Died: 1967, La Porte, TX. "I considered myself lucky to be a friend of Grace. The Andrews family refused and in March filed its suit, asking a judge to order Whataburger to abide by the 1993 agreement. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. The plane was making unusual noises and was rumored to be having engine trouble. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. 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. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. Tom Dobson. 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. Eventually, more people came to eat the fresh, large burgers. These days, Whataburger doesnt seem so grateful. Its not surprising that people might want a bigger piece of that pie.. 1967 Press Photo Plane Crash Kill Harmon Dobson & Luther Sneed H-E-Bs True Texas BBQ Restaurant Is Slipping, West Texans Are Learning What It Means to Live in Bear Country. Es Cuaresma y Whataburger lo sabe: El Whatacatch, est de regreso! 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. Please enter your email and password to sign in. Whataburger moved its Home Office to San Antonio from Corpus Christi in 2009. Dobson faced financial challenges. But thats a tough needle to thread for a company that has developed intense customer loyalty because of its down-home, noncorporate image. So proud & so tired.17. Whataburgers Facebook page reached 1 million fans in 2013, just over a year after its launch. In 1952, Dobson opened a location in Kingsville, Texas, this was the first store located outside of Corpus Christi. Ricky Nelson and Six Others Die As Their Plane Crashes in Texas 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. 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. 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. In 1956 and 1957, respectively, they had a daughter named Mary Lynne and a son named Hugh Carlton. Were honored today to just say . Dobson revealed that in Fast Food magazine in 1957 that flying over a Whataburger in Bryan, Texas led to more customers buying burgers. GREAT NEWS! 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. [8] The crash killed Dobson and his business associate. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. 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. Learning about Dobsons history was interesting as well, I didnt know that he had originally started out attempting to capitalize on the oil industry. Rocky Mountain House airport manager one of 2 dead in plane crash - CBC At the end of 1980, Whataburger opened its 300th restaurant. harmon dobson plane crash. 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. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. I hope to become a successful journalist in the future. In the past, corporate simply approved such requests, as stipulated under the 1993 settlement. Many Texans still love and appreciate the food at this Texas treasure. He realized that he needed some creative marketing strategies to obtain new customers. January 1, 1950- I think this will be an eventful year for me.1. 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. At least 2 injuries reported after plane crash in Houston, Texas - CNN The place did well, and soon Dobson added two more locations in Corpus and one in nearby Kingsville. Jos R. Ralat is Texas Monthlys taco editor, writing about tacos and Mexican food. 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. Benefits. Failed to remove flower. It amazes me how many people talk about whataburger and that those burgers are probably the best they have ever tried because of their unique taste, but I have never tasted one. 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. 9 Intense Plane Crashes Caused By Stalls Smithsonian Channel Smithsonian Channel Aviation Nation 3.2M views 2 years ago 8 Bad Weather Plane Crashes Smithsonian Channel Smithsonian. We still use 100% pure, never-frozen beef and serve it on a big, toasted five-inch bun. In the midst of this turmoil, Andrews, who decades earlier had been given exclusive rights to Bexar, Bee, Jim Wells, and Webb counties, decided in 1990 to sell his San Antonio franchises to an outside buyer, in order to better focus on the South Texas market. "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. Whataburger is so common to me, as a Texan, that I forget not every state has one. Burton wanted to cut back on the product, convinced that customers would not pay that much. Victim Dies of Injuries Sustained in Crash of Flight 232 [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. Early life [ edit] At first, Harmon was content to help his parents on the farm, but his wanderlust eventually returned, calling him elsewhere. 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. Failed to report flower. The other victims were identified by the Texas . For the Andrews family, this shift in corporate culture first became apparent two years ago, when it told the company headquarters, which had moved from Corpus to San Antonio in 2009, that it wanted to open a new store in Laredo. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. 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. Two die after small plane crashes in field southwest of Edmonton 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. As one of the largest franchisees, WOA was hit particularly hard by this arrangement. The History of and Story Behind Whataburger Logo - Money Inc 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 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. Dobson's journey started when he left Arkansas for Texas in 1950. Unique 30-foot-tall A-frame design spiked interest in Whataburger [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. A system error has occurred. I had no idea that the founder of Whataburger started in the oil business! The agreement stipulated that if Andrewss company identified a location in the three counties that it wanted to develop, Whataburger was obligated to approve the franchise. Harmon Archibald Dobson [1] was an American entrepreneur best known as one of the founders of the fast food chain Whataburger. However, early on Burton and Dobson found that their differing business philosophies were undeniable. Tom Harmon is Missing | University of Michigan Heritage Project 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. 200 RESTAURANTS AND GROWING. harmon dobson plane crash - volat-publicite.com 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. The meat and vegetables were always fresh, never frozen. Cant tell much yet.6, August 11, 1950- Nice day today $97. Sadly, in 2005, Whataburger Family Members mourned the loss of Lady Grace as she was called by many. Tom Dobson - NNDB He felt like the burgers at Dairy King were too small and wanted to build a really big burger, calling it the Whataburger. And as long as they can still get their Green Chile Double Whataburgers or Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits, they probably dont care. Please reset your password. Yet despite its success, Whataburgers history has included some setbacks. 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. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? As a devout Whataburger customer this article was fascinating. Four of six Bar-Kays members died: Ronnie Caldwell, Phalon Jones, Jimmy King and Carl Cunningham. Thats when they look at me through squinted eyes and really say, Yeah, Right!! They were finally recovered earlier this month after five months of rescue attempts. Thank God for his drunken partners actions which led him to leave the oil business, otherwise, we wouldnt get to experience the beloved food of Whataburger! The All-Time Favorites menu, featuring four of the most loved specialty sandwiches from over the years, made its debut and was greeted enthusiastically by Whataburger fans. I didnt know the history of Whataburger was so interesting. Oops, something didn't work. August 10, 1950- I came to Corpus Wed. Paul finally opened Tuesday [August 8] $50 first day, $79 yesterday & $62 today. She threw out the ball at the field right before she got really sick. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. This time, however, it indicated that it wasnt inclined to do so. Harmon Dobson, a "young entrepreneur" who made his start in life shipbuilding, oil drilling and diamond training, was the man behind the burgers. Thanks for your help! It was fascinating to see that the burger/fast food chain that Dobson created (along with other people) would end up becoming the most notable food item in Texas. Angel was a bit more adventurous than Dobson, though both crashed several times in Africa while mining for diamonds. The ceremony wasnt mere sentiment at work. January 1, 1950- I think this will be an eventful year for me.1. 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. However, news broke out in June 2019 that Whataburger sold a controlling interest in the company to Chicago- based investment banking firm BDT Capital. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. 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. 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. Since his businesses were now at different locations, Harmon figured it was wise to visit them by plane. In 2001, the Whataburger Family Foundation officially began, though the charitable efforts had been ongoing since day one. So, he brought along Johnny Sneed, who was working with a Whataburger franchise in Victoria, Texas. Dobson was involved in the early growth of the franchise from 1950 until his death in an airplane crash in 1967. Harmon never lived to see his shack become a regional burger empire; he died in a plane crash in 1967. Despite all these changes, we're still sticking to what got us here. Dobson wrote about his success during the first couple of days Whataburger opened in his journal. In our eighth decade, we entered new markets including Kansas City, Nashville, and Colorado Springs, expanding our restaurant footprint to 14 states. Montana family mourning loss of pilot | ParkRecord.com Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. Together, they raised three children: Hugh, Lynne and Tom. A Douglas C-124C Globemaster II plane, serial 52-1062, was damaged beyond repair in an accident 10 km from Stephenville-Harmon AFB, NL (YJT), Canada. Spicing Things Up: Whataburger Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lineup Returns for a Limited Time, Get Ready for More Bold Flavors: Whataburger is Growing in Memphis, Whataburger Celebrates One Year of Delicious Dining in Colorful Colorado, MyWhataburger In the summer of 1854, a destitute stowaway on a Texas-bound schooner was discovered and forced to work for his passage. Even the grandchildren work at Whataburger and attend company meetings. They have jalapeo eating contests, giveaways, and appearances from the company mascot, Whataguy. It isnt a small business anymore, and to keep ahead of the competition, it may have to start acting its size. This is such a great topic! Whataburger - Wikipedia Can College Sports Get More Absurd Than SMU Joining the Pac-12? 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. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. 1 of 6. 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. He kicked off New Year's Day 1950 with a. 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. If they cant settle their differences, its not clear where theyll be tomorrow. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. Sorry! Please try again later. Dan Solomon writes about politics, music, food, sports, criminal justice, health care, film, and business. This is a terrible time to risk messing with the Whataburger brand. He attributes that success to Whataburgers prudent approach to growth, training, and customer service. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? Normally, they look at me skeptically as if to say,Yeah, Right!! My name is Courtney Pena and I am from McAllen, Texas. 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. 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,. There is even a Whataburger race car and a Whataburger field in Corpus Christi that hosts a minor league baseball team. One year, 24 weddings were held at a Dallas Whataburger. 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. Once it was averted, Harmon began searching for a new path to success. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. Today, in 2019, it has been 69 years since the first Whataburger opened up. 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. In 1934, Dobson started work as an apprentice ironworker, he later became a shipbuilder at the start of World War II. By 1967, business was booming. 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.. Later, he went to Egypt and worked on the Suez Canal. The story of Dobson was well written here. 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. By Stefano Esposito and Sam Kelly. Eventually, Jim Peterson became the new CEO, but he left a negative impact on the company. This attention to detail likely led to Whataburger receiving $50 in purchases on their first day.5. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. New Year's Day, 1950, Harmon Dobson, a sometime bush pilot, diamond courier, and automobile dealer, wrote in his journal: . Statue of the Founder of Whataburger, Corpus Christi, Texas You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. 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. The Crash of United Flight 232 - Popular Mechanics Corpus Christi is going to miss Grace Dobson. His friend and associate, Andrew Sneed was also killed. The meat and vegetables were always fresh, never frozen. 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.