They followed through every step of the way. If it is hard to conceive of McDonalds or Burger King inspiring such brand loyalty, Whataburger believes that it has a different breed of customer, one willing to sacrifice speed and price for quality. By Peter Romeo on Feb. 24, 2023. 2955 N HAYDEN RD. The franchisees argued that they ought to receive a portion of the rebates, given that the money came in part from products they had purchased. Actual buyer's premiums vary based on lot type, bidding method and other factors. The hammer prices listed on this website may not be representative of the actual amount due or paid by the winning bidder. After he was killed in a plane crash in 1967, his wife, Grace, took over; although she no longer handles the day-to-day operations, she is still thought of as the first lady of Whataburger. Now, Thomas owns 14 of the restaurants scattered throughout East Texas. "As much as times have changed since 1950, the Whataburger itself hasn't changed much since that first one Dad served in 1950," company Chairman and CEO Tom Dobson wrote in an e-mail response to questions. The patty melt and US (480) 946-9010 While she stays out of the limelightcharacteristically, she declined to be interviewed for this storyshe attends nearly every company event; she even shows up at picnics attended by the fry cooks and the drive-through operators. The burgers were also bigger than what the competition served, so Dobson had to contract with a local bread company to manufacture special baking pans that could accommodate five-inch buns. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. The leading source for targeted, industry-specific news briefs. Doyle hosts his big cruise nights there, a major attraction in East Texas. For the founders of Whataburger, it all began fifty years ago with the right ingredients. "And, because I like to decorate, we got to start doing some different things.". Jan 14, 1950Left today for Texas & God only knows where. On August 8, 1950, he sold his first Whataburger out of a tiny portable stand across the street from Del Mar College, in Corpus Christi. Not all of Doyle's restaurants are exclusive to Corvettes. Hayden & Thomas Whataburger # 215. "BDT and the Whataburger team will begin exploring expansion plans while staying true to the brand it has been over the past 69 years," Whataburger said in a statement at the time. He started his company in 1990 and began operating Whataburger Another low-mileage example is Doyle's '82 Collector Edition, which he purchased when it was six months old. It still smells good at Whataburger to the man who oversees eight restaurants in the Whataburger East Texas chain, and Doug Edwards isn't talking only about the profits. We are proud to call Tyler home of the longest consecutive classic car cruise night in East Texas, Whataburger Franchisee Doyle Thomas said in a prepared Tom, Lynne and Hugh Dobson, who are the children of founder Harmon Dobson, remain minority stakeholders. Each car in his collection gets driven regularly, but Doyle Thomas is partial to this 1962 resto-mod Corvette. Concludes Doyle, "Having these cars in this kind of display makes it fun. From left: Jon Gabrus, Mike Mitchell, Nick Wiger, Become a member to support the independent voice of Dallas In 1990, he started his company and began operating Whataburger restaurants in the Tyler, TX area. One expatriate, homesick and marooned in Northern California, wrote in 1997, Yeah, you guessed it, I need a Whataburger here. You belt it out loud and proud! Jos R. Ralat is Texas Monthlys taco editor, writing about tacos and Mexican food. One of the inside employees failed to show up for work, and Thomas was assigned to fill the spot inside. The Dobson family made the majority of their money from the Whataburger franchise. Whataburger marks its diamond anniversary, By Glenn Evans gevans@news-journal.com Reporter, Business Beat: Frenchy's opens in Longview, Teriyaki Madness in Longview approaches opening, Operation Unbroken in Longview to close this week, 'I took a chance on me': Longview native creates television network, 'Student-focused': Trinity School of Texas names new head of school, Juvenile charged with negligent homicide in East Texas teen's death, New Theatre Longview executive director wants to stage 'must-attend events', Business Digest: Area banks announce promotions, ETX View Medical Directory PLUS: Christus Good Shepherd athletic trainer seeks 'best outcome' for student athletes, Click to see video of How to Use the E-edition. independent local journalism in Dallas. He says the design inside and out is as close to perfection as an enthusiast could hope for. A few lucky souls have had life-changing experiences: On Valentines Day, 1996, twenty-four couples got married in a Whataburger in Dallas. You have permission to edit this article. They frolicked at Sea World and listened to former president George Bush thank them for their contribution to the waistline of the American people. The celebration ended with an awards banquet, turning the event from a stodgy corporate gathering into something closer to a tent revival. Back then, it was reported that the Dobson's decided to sell in order to expand the company's brand and customer base. It's great for minor repairs on his Corvette collection. WebSupercharged 5.4L, Formerly Owned by Gary Meadors. Web887 WHATABURGER, INC. is a Texas Domestic For-Profit Corporation filed on March 15, 2005. As promotions go inside a fast food restaurant, his came on a regular basis. If they lose speed of service, he says, what else do they have?. Tonight a local restaurant will celebrate its 25th anniversary of hosting the Whataburger Cruise Night. Photos, materials for videos, descriptions and other information are provided by the consignor/seller and is deemed reliable, but Mecum Auction does not verify, warrant or guarantee this information. January 2023 Reader Quiz: What Did You Learn? Bring on the Shiplap? We are proud to call Tyler home of the longest consecutive classic car cruise night in East Texas, Whataburger Franchisee Doyle Thomas said in a prepared statement. Juliet store New paint, signage also part of the project. If you fill out the first name, last name, or agree to terms fields, you will NOT be added to the newsletter list. According to the Whataburger publicity department, the average Whataburger customer eats at the restaurant more times a month than the average person eats at other fast-food chains. 1932 Ford Custom Roadster. "I grew up with five cousins. Were excited to kick off the 25th Anniversary Celebration with our loyal customers.. Those include the orange-and-white striped exteriors, and staff that will bring food to the diner. I'd hang onto everything.". and help keep the future of the Observer, Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our, Dallas Observer's The Morning After Brunch. September 23, 1952Sold & gave away 950 burgers. October 9, 1951Position at 38 [years old] goodincome$25,000 yearlyone year agorapidly going broke Whataburgers will probably turn out to be my life work. Im beginning to like & appreciate the business. Whataburger's newest award recognizes an outstanding general managerand the honor comes with a 2002 Ford Mustang GT convertible. Her ownership interest in Whataburger has made her fabulously wealthythough how wealthy is anyones guess, since the company is privately heldyet she still lives in the same modest house in which she and Harmon raised their three children. All Rights Reserved. Dobson wrote that table service wasn't an issue at his father's earliest franchises, which were walk-ups. DKT Investments founder Doyle Thomas began working for Whataburger at the age of 17. Webwhataburger.com DKT Investments founder Doyle W. Thomas began working for Whataburger at the age of 17. It has Bloomington Gold and Bloomington Gold Survivor status, and is an NCRS Top Flight Award winner. While his Corvette acquisitions have mostly centered on the early generations and his favorites, the C2s, he bought a new C7 not long after they made their debut. As a teenager in the piney woods of East Texas during the 1960s, Doyle Thomas landed a part-time job on weekends. At least, that's what one now-Internet famous pastor in suburban Dallas chose to do, and citizens of the web are coming out in full force in support of his fast food rally cry. 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The final Corvette in Doyle's collection was parked inside the dining area of his Whataburger in Longview. Hayden & Thomas Whataburger # 215. Excuse me while I swallow my watering mouth and wipe away my tears .. S.A. "Sam" Black and Harmon Dobson were looking at traffic patterns in the town of 40,000, divining the best spot for Black to open the 38th Whataburger in Texas. SCOTTSDALE, Arizona 85251. Edwards said that makes East Texas unique in the company. Find more info on AllPeople about Thomas Doyle and DKT Properties, LLC, as well as people who work for similar SCOTTSDALE, Arizona 85251. The Top 50 Texas BBQ Joints: 2021 Edition, Jimmy Carters Peanut-and-Egg Taco Made Quite the Impression on San Antonians, The Campaign to Sabotage Texass Public Schools, Dont Let Big Dumb Hat Happen to You. It's an original fuelie, but the fuel unit is currently off the car. At Doyle's Texaco, the front room behind the pump island is Doyle's office. We didnt have that Texas heritage and Texas tradition to play off of.. WebVisit your local Whataburger at 9990 N 90TH ST SCOTTSDALE, AZ to enjoy our bigger, better burger. The InspirationDoyle was born in 1950. BDT Capitol is known as an investment banking company that was founded by Byron Trott in 2009 and has since grown into a $4.04billion company. local news and culture, Brian Reinhart My taste buds are withering from tofu, bean sprouts, and seaweed sandwiches! "There's nothing in there that isn't supposed to be - it's all fresh.". Several adjoining garages are all tricked out with cars, signs and decor, including facades of several recognizable service stations from an era when "full service" was the norm. 1.3-b593. As with an untold number of his friends and contemporaries around the country, he worked at a fast food restaurant. And while he was buying Corvettes, he also started buying The decision to purchase should be based solely on the buyers personal inspection of the lot at the auction site prior to the auction. The focus was not on the thing that got us here: the Whataburger, says chief operating officer Tim Taft. During the same period, the number of Whataburger restaurants earning $1 million or more a year nearly tripled, from 73 to 212. Over time, Whataburger has evolved into a true Texas icon. I am very pleased with Felhaber Larson and highly recommend them.". Ill have to change my method with the boys. Leave them blank to get signed up. People didnt know who we were. The A-frames with orange-and-white-striped roofs can be found in the states smallest towns, often where national franchises fear to tread. "95 percent of everything in the garages is original. AKA: Doyle W Thomas, Thomas Doyle, Thomas Karen Doyle +7 more. Road Art, Infonet & The Bid Goes On are registered trademarks of Mecum Auction, Inc. Devotees also bid for Whataburger paraphernalia on eBay, everything from the companys limited edition Nolan Ryan baseball cards to long-discontinued caramel-colored glass coffee mugs. In 1990, he started his company and began operating Whataburger restaurants in the Tyler, TX area. A McKinney pastor's video about his love for Whataburger is quickly going viral. Most walk around smiling at the jaw-dropping display of Corvette memorabilia and automotive history. A couple of years later, Doyle pulled the '73 out of storage and began a restoration. In the past five years the chains same store salesthe benchmark of the fast-food industryhave jumped a whopping 40 percent. Over the last 28 years, Doyle bought the Corvettes he liked and wanted to drive. A Right-wing Cabal Took Over Odessas Municipal Government. Late May, 1950Landed back in Midland April 21 to find that my oil partner had had over 5000 dollars invested in a drilling deal in Loving County, Texas, and on May 18 almost lost the whole thing by fouling up a deal only two days before the money would have been forfeited . It came out of a museum in Arizona in 1990. Their trademark attorneys carefully explained the process and the costs. This past May, employees from all over the Whataburger empire converged on San Antonio to mark the companys first fifty years. The 454ci/four-speed was his daily driver for seven years. Two weeks later he sold his dealership in Arkansas and set out to make his fortune as a wildcatter. Cloudy skies early with scattered thunderstorms developing late. Doyle is interested in the history of his Corvettes. The Dobson family made the majority of their money from the Whataburger franchise. He got his first Corvette-a '67 390hp, air-conditioned coupe-right after he graduated from high school in 1969. 1940 Mercury Convertible Street Rod. The company's filing status is listed as In Existence and its File Number is It's easy to see why. 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. Haase sat next to Edwards as he spoke, breaking briefly from remodeling plans at the restaurant on South Eastman Road near Interstate 20 in Longview. Mark Wahlberg to Sip Tequila and Walk Pink Carpets in Dallas This Week, The Essential Guide to Indian Food in Dallas, from Classic Dishes to Fusion Cuisine, First Look: Mentiiras Offers Little Cravings To Go in Bishop Arts, Get Your Morning After Brunch Tickets Before Price Increase, The Iconic Blue Goose Cantina on Greenville To Close. Actual buyer's premiums vary based on lot type, bidding method and other factors. "I'd just buy them one at a time, get them paid for, and find another one. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheSunUS and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunUS, Kroger does U-turn & discontinues essential after insisting it was in store, Store closures begin just days after rival to Panera Bread files for bankruptcy, I'm a lawyer - AT&T may owe you money in a $60m deal but you must act fast, Five Aldi clearance finds starting at $2 - including a great accessory, 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP. From 5 to 8 p.m. today, at the Whataburger at 6849 S. Broadway Ave., franchisee DKT Investments, Inc. will host a celebration event. The Whataburger chain kept growing; today, he owns eight restaurants. Low 67F. Chip Gaines Bought Larry McMurtrys Historic Texas Bookstore. Doyle's restaurants are grandfathered into the decorating exemption, displaying the '50s theme evident in the diner next to Kilgore College. I can see that now. WHATABURGER is known as the Texas fast food chain the originated in Corpus Christi back in 1950. That meant a Western theme at Store No. Doyle sold that one in 1975 to buy a '73 convertible. 2955 N HAYDEN RD. The Longview and Tyler restaurants separated when Doyle Thomas bought the franchise area basically south of Interstate 20 including Kilgore. You quickly learn that this brand means something to people. Am now interested in financing Paul Burton, a hamburger expert, in some small specialized hamburger joints somewhere in Texas. 4825 South Broadway. US (480) 946-9010 Brand-specific decor adorns Doyle Thomas' Corvette collection. 2002 Chrysler Prowler. Copyright 2000-2023 Mecum Auction, Inc. All rights reserved. He began at the bottom as a janitor and within 6 months quickly rose the ranks to be the manager. Mostly cloudyisolated thunderstorms developing this afternoon. I mean, our president does it. Road Art, Infonet & The Bid Goes On are registered trademarks of Mecum Auction, Inc. His practice also includes other select specialty focuses. But Corvettes aren't the only thing he collects, for the middle door of the shop leads to a cavernous 60x100-foot metal building best described as a wonderland of classic memorabilia. Dobson was at the controls - of the airplane and the hamburger chain he had founded 12 years earlier in Corpus Christi. Since then, the company has expanded and has more than 800 locations across the United States. ", RELATED: 7 ways Whataburger wallops In-N-Out, Man stopped at Pa. airport with explosive concealed in checked luggage, Mom of 2, stabbed 8 times, is making most of second chance at life, Man shot into ex's home twice before being tased during arrest: HPD, Whataburger gets in the game as official burger of the Dallas Cowboys. That theme sits well with Phyllis Haase, whose father was in that airplane with Dobson's dad. Dallas' independent source of 61-year-old inmate walks free due to Harris Co. Talk to anyone who grew up in Texas, and he can rattle off Whataburger stories, from middle-of-the-night visits to morning coffee klatches. Information found on the website is presented as advance information for the auction lot. The long-time financier was found dead Thursday morning in his New Corpus Christi back in 1950 now interested in the diner next to Kilgore.... That table service was n't an issue at his father 's earliest franchises, which were walk-ups theme sits with! 40 percent began operating Whataburger restaurants in the diner next to Kilgore College You quickly Learn that this brand something... And automotive history liked and wanted to drive its File number is it 's to. 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Method and other factors over the last 28 years, Doyle bought the Corvettes he doyle thomas whataburger and wanted drive... Is quickly going viral Whataburger chain kept growing ; today, he says, what else do they have.. In 1975 to buy a '73 convertible 390hp, air-conditioned coupe-right after he graduated from high in... Country, he owns eight restaurants was reported that the Dobson family made the of!
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