Whataburger Founder – Whataburger is a beloved fast-food chain, but do you know about its founder? Learn more about Harmon Dobson and the history of the iconic restaurant chain he started in this introduction.
About Whataburger Founder
The founder of Whataburger is Harmon Dobson, who opened the first Whataburger in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1950. Dobson had the idea to create a burger so big that it would take two hands to hold, which is how the famous “Whataburger” was born. The company quickly grew, expanding throughout Texas and eventually into other states.
Dobson was known for his commitment to quality and customer service, insisting that every burger be made fresh to order and served with a smile. He also pioneered the use of drive-thru windows, which became a hallmark of the fast-food industry.
After Dobson’s death in 1967, ownership of Whataburger passed to his wife, Grace Dobson, who continued to run the company with the same dedication to quality and customer service. Today, Whataburger remains a family-owned business, with the Dobson family still involved in the day-to-day operations.
The Dobsons’ commitment to quality and customer service has made Whataburger a beloved institution in Texas and beyond, with a loyal fanbase who swear by the chain’s burgers, fries, and milkshakes.
Who is the founder of Whataburger
Whataburger is a popular fast-food chain that was founded by Harmon Dobson and Paul Burton in 1950. Harmon Dobson was born in 1913 in Texas, and after serving in the army during World War II, he became interested in the restaurant business. Dobson got his start in the restaurant business with his brother, but after several failed ventures, he decided to start his own chain of restaurants.
In 1950, Dobson and Burton opened the first Whataburger in Corpus Christi, Texas. Dobson was determined to make a better burger than anyone else, and he believed that the key was to make it bigger and better than any other burger on the market. He also believed in using the freshest ingredients and making everything from scratch.
Whataburger quickly became popular in Texas, and Dobson and Burton opened several more locations. The chain expanded rapidly in the following years, and by the 1970s, Whataburger had more than 200 locations throughout the southern United States. Today, Whataburger has over 800 locations across the United States, with the majority of them located in Texas.
Whataburger Founder Death
Harmon Dobson passed away in 1967 at the age of 54. Despite his untimely death, his legacy lives on through the Whataburger chain. Dobson’s wife, Grace, took over as CEO after his death and helped to continue the expansion of the company.
In the years since Dobson’s death, Whataburger has undergone many changes. The chain was sold to a private equity firm in 2019, and there have been some changes to the menu and branding. However, the company has remained true to its roots, and the signature “A-Frame” architecture of the original Whataburger restaurants can still be seen at many of the chain’s locations.
Today, Whataburger is known for its classic burgers, chicken sandwiches, and breakfast items, as well as its commitment to using fresh ingredients and offering excellent customer service. The company has won numerous awards for its food and service, and it continues to be a popular fast-food chain in Texas and beyond.