harmon dobson plane crash

Try again. Harmon Archibald Dobson was an American entrepreneur best known as one of the founders of the fast food chain Whataburger. 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. 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. 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. Their family complete, the Dobsons embarked on the happy, golden age of Whataburger. Were honored today to just say . 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. Once it was averted, Harmon began searching for a new path to success. Yet despite its success, Whataburgers history has included some setbacks. The Dobson family and their extended Whataburger family rallied around and supported Grace as she took over the business. With time, they started to expand more outside Texas because Texans gave this restaurant a gold star. 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. 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. Today, in 2019, it has been 69 years since the first Whataburger opened up. A system error has occurred. A host of new menu items was unveiled, including the Whatameal, the A.1. Thick & Hearty Burger, cookies, biscuits, chicken strips and more. In our eighth decade, we entered new markets including Kansas City, Nashville, and Colorado Springs, expanding our restaurant footprint to 14 states. The plane was making unusual noises and was rumored to be having engine trouble. 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. Whataburger Fancy Ketchup, Spicy Ketchup and Original Mustard became available at H-E-B stores and online at Whatastore in 2013. During the early 1990s, profits declined as new items such as popcorn shrimp, salads, and steak sandwiches were added to the menu. [4] In 1962, the company introduced French fries and hot pies to its menu. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Harmon Dobson (16533251)? I never knew that Dobsons initial intent was to try and strike oil here in Texas. We still use 100% pure, never-frozen beef and serve it on a big, toasted five-inch bun. 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. I have so much fun talking to the young employees about the early Whataburger. The very first WhataGames, the company's biennial burger Olympic competition for Team Members, was held. 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. 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. Burton wanted to cut back on the product, convinced that customers would not pay that much. August 20, 1989. 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. Born:? 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. At 4:28 p.m, the plane took off, but, unfortunately, something went wrong. [2] Harmon and his wife had two children, a daughter born in 1956 and a son born in 1957. Whataburger is so common to me, as a Texan, that I forget not every state has one. 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. I like to write, listen to music, and read about fashion. One year, 24 weddings were held at a Dallas Whataburger. Dobson later was hired to help build a naval base where he worked on building radio towers, tanks and hangars. She lived simply and seldom spent the Whataburger money, aside from the many charities to which she contributed. In addition to that, Dobson sold chips and a cold drink with the burger. Tom Dobson. So, Dobson, being a former pilot, used a Piper Sub Club plane to drop flyers and coupons to potential customers. The burgers sold back then are the same as the original Whataburger that many Texans still love to today. ! I found this sad and interesting. I share with Whataburger employees how my brothers and I would have 35 cent Whataburgers from the original Ayers street store before going to the picture show. The burger chain has large hamburgers, skinny long fries, creamy milkshakes, and more. Harmon was a stickler for cleanliness and very detailoriented, his sister LenaRae explained to biographer Greg Woolridge. The first drive-thru was installed in 1971. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. All three work hard to ensure that Whataburger never strays from their fathers original concept, which was to serve hungry people great food in a clean and friendly environment. The University of Houstons Barth says such changes arent unusual in a company that has grown to Whataburgers size. As one of the largest franchisees, WOA was hit particularly hard by this arrangement. Dobson wrote about his success during the first couple of days Whataburger opened in his journal. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. However, Dobson was already looking to move on to bigger ventures. 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. 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. 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. So, he brought along Johnny Sneed, who was working with a Whataburger franchise in Victoria, Texas. January 1, 1950- I think this will be an eventful year for me.1. 1967. The Andrews family refused and in March filed its suit, asking a judge to order Whataburger to abide by the 1993 agreement. Please enter your email and password to sign in. Despite all these changes, we're still sticking to what got us here. [7] The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) summary classifies the accident type as a stall. Little did he know that he was going to be the founder of an epic fast food restaurant. The new CEO and president of Whataburger was Tom Dobson, the son of Harmon and Grace Dobson. Most people thought Grace Dobson would sell her rapidly growing hamburger business after her husband died in a private plane crash in 1967. . . Family members linked to this person will appear here. His mother, Louise, and his sister, Kathy Reese, ran the business until Louise died, in 2005, leaving Reese in charge. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. So, Dobson, being a former pilot, used a Piper Sub Club plane to drop flyers and coupons to potential customers. On August 8, 2000, Whataburger proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary with 575 restaurants in operation and millions of fans all over the country. Fire Ants Have Unleashed Chaos in Texas for Decades. After he was killed in a plane crash in 1967, his wife, Grace, took . Sadly, in 2005, Whataburger Family Members mourned the loss of Lady Grace as she was called by many. Whataburger founder Harmon Dobson stands in front of his first . Oops, something didn't work. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. On July 19, 1989, one of the most dramatic events in aviation unfolded in the skies over Iowa as heroic pilots battled to land a crippled DC-10. The Andrews family has been very special to Whataburger through the years, said Whataburgers corporate chief, Preston Atkinson, during the ceremony. He nearly lost a lot of money due to his drunk oil partners actions. The meat and vegetables were always fresh, never frozen. Thats when they look at me through squinted eyes and really say, Yeah, Right!! Many Texans still love and appreciate the food at this Texas treasure. Today, more than seven-hundred of the distinctive orange and white WHATABURGER restaurants can be found in eleven states, and total more than $1billion is sales annually. [5] In 1963, Whataburger opened its first location in Arizona totaling the number of stores 26. However, over the years, Whataburger has become a legend in its own right. Eventually, more people came to eat the fresh, large burgers. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. Harmon Dobson was the founder of WHATABURGER Inc. By 1951, Dobson was an official Texan. "It was a friendship that grew and grew," Sheka said. But perhaps because his dear friend Harmon Dobson was gone, his personal connection no longer seemed to mean as much as it once did. A student organization of St. Marys University of San Antonio, Texas, featuring scholarly research, writing, and media from students of all disciplines. Private burial will be in Seaside Memorial Park. When I think of Whataburger, I immediately think of Texas and burgers. Dobson faced financial challenges. Tragedy struck the Whataburger family in 1967 when a plane crash took the life of Harmon Dobson. 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. And on May 6, 1999, Whataburger by the Bay opened in Corpus Christi as a tribute to Whataburger's upcoming 50th anniversary. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. I like to write, listen to music, and read about fashion. 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. (Dobson remains as chairman.) 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. It was such a smart marketing move to drop flyers, coupons, and carry a Whataburger banner in the air. These days, Whataburger doesnt seem so grateful. Dobson agreed, and the Alice store opened a year later. 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. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. 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. In 2020, Whataburgers 70th anniversary year, curbside pickup and delivery options launched, the companys first food truck was unveiled, and our first new large-unit prototype opened. The main reason for the move was for oil. He charged a pricy 25 cents since the burgers were better quality than the competitors burgers. This account has been disabled. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. On August 8, 1950, the first Whataburger opened at 2609 Ayers Street. It was an instant success, and Harmon began to expand the business to other markets. Dobson's journey started when he left Arkansas for Texas in 1950. 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. Little did he know that he was going to be the founder of an epic fast food restaurant. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. 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 The golden age of drive-ins and American automobiles was just getting started back on August 8, 1950, when Harmon Dobson opened Whataburger #1. Two years later, three Corpus Christi locations began operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, much to the delight of hungry patrons. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. 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. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. harmon dobson plane crash. . In 1942, Dobson went to North Africa to do work on pipefitting scrapyard work, and cable rigging for Bell Telephone Company. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. By 1949, Dobson was done with diamonds and began searching for a safe place to land. Harmon Dobson was born in 1913 in Wayne, Oklahoma, to Hugh and Ethel Dobson. Grace Williamson and her 5-year-old son, Tom, rented a home owned by Dobsons brother Coy. Angel was a bit more adventurous than Dobson, though both crashed several times in Africa while mining for diamonds. The story of Dobson was well written here. Although he missed college, Harmon was determined to make his way in the world. This plane was easy to spot as it towed a Whataburger banner in the air and blared its duck-like airhorn.9, After every flight, business would do well. So, he brought along Johnny Sneed, who was working with a Whataburger franchise in Victoria, Texas. Dobson wrote about his success during the first couple of days Whataburger opened in his journal. They have also hosted Wow fund-raising events where they combine fun community activities with charitable giving. January 1, 1950- I think this will be an eventful year for me.1. "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. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. 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. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. This time, however, it indicated that it wasnt inclined to do so. Serving it hot and fresh, 24/7. Make sure that the file is a photo. Also, Whataburger expanded to places such as Las Vegas and Memphis, where the company was unknown, leading to a lack of customers purchasing food. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. Shortly after arriving on campus, Harmon was called home to help with a family crisis. 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. 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,. The main reason for the move was for oil. She also gave copious amounts of her time and money back to Corpus Christi and the state. The. The menu grew as well, with French fries and hot pies being added in 1962. But thats a tough needle to thread for a company that has developed intense customer loyalty because of its down-home, noncorporate image. Wow! 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. 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. 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. Dobson was involved in the early growth of the franchise from 1950 until his death in an airplane crash in 1967. There was a festive atmosphere in first class that. The plane was making unusual noises and was rumored to be having engine trouble. 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. [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. It was very smart of Dobson to drop flyers and coupons to potential customers so that his business to boom even more. Dobson and Burton's goal was to make a burger that took two hands to hold and that tasted good. More than seven decades ago, an adventurous and determined entrepreneur named Harmon Dobson had a bold idea: to serve a burger so big that it took two hands to hold, and so good that after a single bite customers couldn't help but exclaim, What a burger! He named his humble burger stand, located on Ayers Street in Corpus Christi, Texas, Whataburger.. Neither Whataburger nor Whataburger of Alice would be what it is today without the other. The entire crew bailed out, with Harmon parachuting into a jungle. Eventually, Jim Peterson became the new CEO, but he left a negative impact on the company. 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. "She was a very shy woman, who didn't want the limelight," Adler said Friday. 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: It hurts the brand ultimately.. 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. ), 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. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. In 1934, Dobson started work as an apprentice ironworker, he later became a shipbuilder at the start of World War II. It isnt a small business anymore, and to keep ahead of the competition, it may have to start acting its size. The main reason for the move was for oil. 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. The case went to trial in 1993, but the two sides settled before the jury reached a verdict. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. I didnt know the history of Whataburger was so interesting. 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. Today Whataburger has over 800 stores in ten states serving up Harmon Dobsons original Whataburger. A few weeks after the funeral, Grace visited Dobson in Corpus Christi, and they had their first date at Whataburger. 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. In a short time, Dobson had an impressive business. It has expanded in the Southwest United States with about 800 locations in ten states. Year should not be greater than current year. The young man would go on to amass a fortune in land and cattle, not far from where he first disembarked. Grace Dobson, also known as Lady Grace, is the famous face behind the Whataburger empire. 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. She threw out the ball at the field right before she got really sick. 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. The burger chain has large hamburgers, skinny long fries, creamy milkshakes, and more. Following that, the adventurous Dobson traveled to Bahrain in the Persian Gulf to help build a refinery. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. Dobson was raised in a small rural farming community of Cushman, Arkansas. He died when his private plane, a Cessna Skymaster, crashed shortly after takeoff. By March 5, the couple was married. 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. Try again later. H-E-Bs True Texas BBQ Restaurant Is Slipping, West Texans Are Learning What It Means to Live in Bear Country. The plane went up 100 feet off the runway and came straight back down. 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. Being proud of everything we do. At the end of 1980, Whataburger opened its 300th restaurant. AKA Thomas E. Dobson. In August, they opened their first location on Ayers Street in Corpus Christi, Texas, across the street from Del Mar College. There was a problem getting your location. I love Whataburger and it is a Texas staple. Learning about Dobsons history was interesting as well, I didnt know that he had originally started out attempting to capitalize on the oil industry. Dobson's journey started when he left Arkansas for Texas in 1950. 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. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. I am an English & Communication Arts major at St. Marys University. With his massive profits, he dabbled in oil speculation and mining diamonds in South America. Im glad to read that Tom Dobson, his son, was able to continue the legacy that was left by his father. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. The burgers sold back then are the same as the original Whataburger that many Texans still love to today. Everyone expected Grace, now twice widowed, to crumble, and they encouraged her to sell Whataburger. They were finally recovered earlier this month after five months of rescue attempts. In addition to that, Dobson sold chips and a cold drink with the burger. Despite the leadership turmoil, the two companies continued operating under the 1993 agreement for more than twenty years, and tensions seemed to have eased. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. The location of the first Whataburger was 2609 Ayers Street, across from Del Mar College in Corpus Christi. 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. 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. He attributes that success to Whataburgers prudent approach to growth, training, and customer service. Through the years, she also served in numerous philanthropic capacities including working for the USO, Coastal Bend Youth City, the Kidney Foundation and the Texas State Aquarium. 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 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. There is even a Whataburger race car and a Whataburger field in Corpus Christi that hosts a minor league baseball team. Daniel Vaughn is the countrys first barbecue editor, and he has eaten more barbecue than you have. 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 location of the first Whataburger was 2609 Ayers Street, across from Del Mar College in Corpus Christi. harmon dobson plane crash. Harlon Gerry Dobson, of Pittsgrove Township, N.J., died Saturday at Crozier Chester Medical Center in this Philadelphia suburb, where he . Following his success, Dobson began dabbling in oil and purchased a small well in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Early life [ edit] Andrews surrendered exclusivity to the San Antonio market and agreed to sell the existing San Antonio stores back to Whataburger. 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. Dobson and Burton scouted out several locations for their big burger venture before settling on Corpus Christi. She was very excited about that." This was interesting article especially since it was about a burger that is highly famous here in Texas. Harmon Dobson founded this famous Texas hot spot in 1950. Because of World War II, auto manufacturing plants had been repurposed to produce wartime products. Be the first to post a memory or condolences. However, Dobson found success to be lonely. 200 RESTAURANTS AND GROWING. This event coincided with the mass unemployment and hysteria that lasted throughout the following decade. Proving everyone wrong, Grace lived her entire life in the same house that her husband bought her. His friend and associate, Andrew Sneed was also killed. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. On April 10, 1967, Dobson needed to fly to Beaumont, Texas for business and wanted someone to come along with him. 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. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Harmon Archibald Dobson I found on Findagrave.com. This attention to detail likely led to Whataburger receiving $50 in purchases on their first day.5. [4] Its competition is McDonalds and Wendys, not a boutique operation with three locations that offers grass-fed-bison burgers topped with arugula on a gluten-free bun. Harmon Dobson founded this famous Texas hot spot in 1950. 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.

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