Who was Whataburger owner Harmon Dobson?
Dobson was involved in the early growth of the Whataburger franchise from 1950 until his death in 1967. Harmon Dobson was born in 1913 in Wayne, Oklahoma to Hugh and Ethel Dobson. Dobson was raised in a small rural farming community of Cushman, Arkansas. Dobson spent most of his early life working on his parents' cattle farm.
Where was the first what-a-Burger opened in America?
The first What-A-Burger store opened in 1950 by entrepreneur Jack Branch near Newport News, Virginia, at Newport News Circle (intersection of Jefferson Avenue and U.S. Route 258) in the former Warwick County.
What happened to the original Whataburger?
On April 11, 1967, tragedy struck the Whataburger family. Dobson and an associate, Luther John Sneed, took off in Dobson's Cessna Skymaster from an airport in LaPorte heading for Victoria. Immediately after takeoff something went wrong, and the airplane crashed, killing both men instantly.
Where was the first Dobson’s franchise in Texas?
In 1952, Dobson opened a location in Kingsville, Texas, this was the first store located outside of Corpus Christi. In 1953, Joe Andrews, Sr. became the first franchise owner that was not one of the original founders, with a location in Alice, Texas.
How old was Harmon Dobson when he started Whataburger?
36-year-oldHarmon Dobson was a 36-year-old World War II veteran from Cushman, Arkansas, when he arrived in Texas in 1949.
Does the Dobson family still own Whataburger?
The company, founded by Harmon Dobson and Paul Burton, opened its first restaurant in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1950. Family-owned by the Dobsons until 2019, the chain is now managed by a private equity firm along with the Dobson family still holding a small stake.
Who took over Whataburger when Harmon Dobson died?
Yet despite its success, Whataburger's history has included some setbacks. 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.
Where was the 1st Whataburger?
Corpus Christi, TXWhataburger / Place founded
How much is the Dobson family worth?
Tom Dobson serves as chairman, while his siblings Hugh and Lynne sit on the Whataburger board. The family's net worth is up more than $1 billion since last year, in part due to new information obtained by FORBES about the company's revenues, which are estimated to be well over $1 billion.
When was the first Whataburger opened?
August 8, 1950, Corpus Christi, TXWhataburger / FoundedThe golden age of drive-ins and American automobiles was just getting started back on August 8, 1950, when Harmon Dobson opened Whataburger #1. This tiny burger stand offered something people had never seen: a burger that was so big, they had to hold its five-inch bun with two hands.
How much was Whataburger in 1964?
The price of the burger was twenty-five cents. Customers could also order a drink and a bag of chips. Whataburger #1 took in fifty dollars on its first day.
What happened to the first Whataburger?
He was buried in Batesville, Arkansas next to his parents. Harmon Dobson expressed to his wife Grace that if something were ever to happen to him, he wished for the business to stay within the family. Whataburger continued to persevere even after the tragic death of Harmon Dobson.
What restaurant is only in Texas?
Texas has culture, traditions, and sayings that are uniquely its own. Chains like Whataburger, Buc-ee's, and H-E-B are Texan businesses. Attractions like Schlitterbahn only exist in the Lone Star State.
What is the oldest fast-food restaurant?
White CastleWhite Castle opened in Wichita, Kan. in 1921. In addition to being credited with the invention of the hamburger bun, it is also officially recognized as the oldest fast-food chain in America.
Is the original Whataburger still standing?
While it is the flagship store, it did not open until 1999. Behold, the world's first Whataburger was located on Ayers Street in Corpus Christi, pictured here on August 8, 1950. While the original building is long gone, the original recipe remains in tact.
Who is the new owner of Whataburger?
BDT Capital Partners, LLCAs of today, there more than 800 locations that sit across the U.S. Whataburger has a very dedicated and loyal following. In 2019, the fast-food restaurant announced merchant bank BDT Capital Partners, LLC based in Chicago was taking over the chain.
When did Whataburger start?
In June 1950 , Dobson was granted the Whataburger trademark. In August of that year they opened their first location on Ayers Street in Corpus Christi, Texas, across from Del Mar College. The store sold burgers for 25 cents, and also sold drinks and chips.
Who invented whataburger?
In 1950, Harmon Dobson and Paul Burton were looking to open a hamburger restaurant. Dobson's goal was to "make a better burger that took two hands to hold and tasted so good that when you took a bite you would say 'What a burger!'". In June 1950, Dobson was granted the Whataburger trademark.
Why did Whataburger buy Concord Plaza?
According to Whataburger officials, the company chose Concord Plaza due to proximity to neighborhoods and schools attractive to employees and proximity to San Antonio International Airport. Tesoro, which leased space in the development, was moving to another facility at the time Whataburger bought the building.
What is Whataburger?
Whataburger is an American privately held, regional fast food restaurant chain, headquartered and based in San Antonio, Texas, that specializes in hamburgers. The company, founded by Harmon Dobson and Paul Burton, opened its first restaurant in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1950.
How many Dobson stores were there in the 1960s?
In 1962, the company added French fries and hot pies to its menu. In 1963, it expanded to Arizona and totaled 26 stores.
Where is Whataburger located?
Whataburger is an American privately held, regional fast food restaurant chain, headquartered and based in San Antonio, Texas, that specializes in hamburgers. The company, founded by Harmon Dobson and Paul Burton, opened its first restaurant in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1950. Family-owned by the Dobsons until 2019, ...
When did Burton and Dobson end their partnership?
In 1951 , Burton and Dobson ended their partnership after arguments concerning Dobson's price raise of the burger from 25 to 30 cents. Burton settled with owning the Whataburger franchises in San Antonio, Texas. Months later, prices for burgers were raised to 35 cents.
Author
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. The burger chain has large hamburgers, skinny long fries, creamy milkshakes, and more.
Courtney Pena
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. The burger chain has large hamburgers, skinny long fries, creamy milkshakes, and more.
Author
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. The burger chain has large hamburgers, skinny long fries, creamy milkshakes, and more.
Tags from the story
My name is Courtney Pena and I am from McAllen, Texas. I am an English & Communication Arts major at St. Mary's University. I like to write, listen to music, and read about fashion. I hope to become a successful journalist in the future.
April 11, 1967
On April 11, 1967, Dobson and an associate died in an airplane crash, and Dobson's widow, Grace, took control of the business. In 1969, Grace became chairman of the board.
August 08, 2000
On August 8, 2000, Whataburger celebrated its 50th anniversary with 575 operating stores. In 2001, during the 77th Texas Legislative Session, a bill was passed proclaiming Whataburger to be a Texas Treasure.
March 2009
By March 2009 the company purchased the Concord Plaza development from HDG Mansur. According to Whataburger officials, the company chose Concord Plaza due to proximity to neighborhoods and schools attractive to employees and proximity to San Antonio International Airport.
October 2011
In October 2011, the company changed its television ads from Bassett's voiceovers to "documentary-style ads employees and customers using their own words to describe what makes Whataburger special." By the end of the year, it had 728 stores operating in ten states.
June 14, 2019
On June 14, 2019, the Dobson family sold its majority stake in the company to BDT Capital, a Chicago-based investment company. The companies cited long term expansion plans as one reason for the sale. Much of the current leadership will remain, but they will take on new roles within the company.
When did Whataburger open?
While it is the flagship store, it did not open until 1999. Behold, the world's first Whataburger was located on Ayers Street in Corpus Christi, pictured here on August 8, 1950. While the original building is long gone, the original recipe remains in tact.
Where was the first Whataburger?
1 of 77 Behold, the world's first Whataburger was located on Ayers Street in Corpus Christi, pictured here on August 8, 1950. While the original building is long gone, the original recipe remains in tact. Whataburger Show More Show Less
What was the name of the burger that Dobson wanted?
Dobson wanted a burger that took two hands to hold and made the person yell "What a burger!". after the first taste. He trademarked the name, "Whataburger, " in June 1950. COURTESY PHOTO Show More Show Less.
Who is the founder of Whataburger?
Whataburger Show More Show Less. 5 of 77. Harmon Dobson, the founder of Whataburger, was an entrepreneur with the vision of doubling the standard 1950s burger (two ounces of beef on a 2½-inch bun) to a quarter pound of beef on a 5-inch bun. He commissioned Rainbo bakery to create the giant bun.
Who was Harmon Dobson?
Born on October 8, 1913, Harmon Dobson was an avid pilot who worked in ship building, diamond trading and oil drilling before he found his calling. The Whataburger counter crew of 1950 served 35 cent hamburgers, 15 cent milkshakes and a gallon jug of root beer for 60 cents.
Who was the man behind the burgers?
Ads by. Harmon Dobson, a "young entrepreneur" who made his start in life shipbuilding, oil drilling and diamond training, was the man behind the burgers. He kicked off New Year's Day 1950 with a journal entry in which he prophesized a promising year ahead, according to TSHA.
Where was the first Burger Mecca?
The first location of what would become the Lone Star State burger mecca was a portable building at 2609 Ayers Street, across from Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, according to the Texas State Historical Association. Grand opening earnings totaled $50, according to the TSHA website.
Where was Harmon Dobson's first Whataburger?
Harmon Dobson's fourth burger stand was placed in nearby Kingsville. In 1953 Joe Andrews of Alice, Texas, received the first Whataburger franchise. In 1959 Dobson opened a Whataburger in Pensacola, Florida, the first outside of Texas.
When was the first Whataburger sold?
The first Whataburger was sold through the window of a portable building on August 8, 1950. The location for Whataburger #1 was 2609 Ayers Street, across from Del Mar College, in Corpus Christi. The price of the burger was twenty-five cents. Customers could also order a drink and a bag of chips.
What happened to the Whataburger family?
On April 11, 1967, tragedy struck the Whataburger family. Dobson and an associate, Luther John Sneed, took off in Dobson's Cessna Skymaster from an airport in LaPorte heading for Victoria. Immediately after takeoff something went wrong, and the airplane crashed, killing both men instantly.
When did Whataburger start serving breakfast?
By 1977 Whataburger had its 200th location. In 1979 the restaurants began serving breakfast in all locations, and original franchise owner Joe Andrews, Sr., coined the slogan, "We build a bigger, better burger.". The total number of restaurants reached 300 in 1980.
Who was Harmon Dobson?
Harmon Dobson was a young entrepreneur who worked in shipbuilding, oil drilling, and diamond trading before settling down into his life's work: Whataburger. On New Year's Day in 1950, Dobson wrote in his journal that he believed 1950 would be an eventful year for him. In May of that same year, he decided to finance Paul Burton in a small, ...
Who owns Whataburger?
Whataburger remains a family owned and operated business by Tom, Lynne, and Hugh Dobson.
How many pans did Dobson and Atkinson make?
After searching the country for pans, Dobson and Atkinson went in together and found a company that would hand-make a set of 15 pans with eight molds. Whataburger was such a success that within a few weeks, they realized that they would have to pay for the pan mold and order more pans.
Overview
History
In 1950, Harmon Dobson and Paul Burton were looking to open a hamburger restaurant. Dobson's goal was to "make a better burger that took two hands to hold and tasted so good that when you took a bite you would say 'What a burger!'" In June 1950, Dobson was granted the Whataburger trademark. In August of that year they opened their first location on Ayers Street in Corpus C…
Retail products
Due to the success of selling Whataburger sauces at H-E-B since 2014, the company announced it will offer 1-pound packages of bacon at H-E-B and Central Market stores.
Whataburger sells its line of condiments in 14oz and 20oz squeeze bottles. It also sells jars of its picante sauce and salsa verde, as well as boxed pancake mix.
Corporate affairs
In 2009 the company moved from its long time base in Corpus Christi to a new headquarters at 300 Concord Plaza Drive, a 140,000-square-foot (13,000 m ) building in San Antonio.
Previously the corporate headquarters were in Corpus Christi. With the regional offices' in Corpus Christi, Houston, Irving, and Phoenix.
After Hurricane Ike hit the Texas Coast in 2008, the company began considering moving its head…
What-A-Burger and similar stores
Whataburger is sometimes confused with the What-A-Burger (hyphenated) chain of family-operated restaurants in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The first What-A-Burger store opened in 1950 by entrepreneur Jack Branch near Newport News, Virginia, at Newport News Circle (intersection of Jefferson Avenue and U.S. Route 258) in the former Warwick County. Branch's first location preceded the first Texas Whataburger restaurant slightly; the move took place after a m…
Sponsorships
Whataburger has sponsored a variety of music festivals. The company has also sponsored sports through the Whataburger Sports Complex in Kilgore, Texas, the Arizona Soccer Association, and David Starr Racing, among others.
Gallery
• Whataburger French fries
• Whataburger Field sign in Corpus Christi, Texas
• Whataburger restaurant at night
See also
• Whataburger Field, home of the Corpus Christi Hooks
• List of hamburger restaurants