The Dobson family made the majority of their money from the Whataburger franchise. US (480) 946-9010 Thomas H. Lee, a pioneer of private-equity financing for restaurant companies and other consumer goods concerns, has died at age 78. The Doyle Thomas collection seems eons removed from a teenager with a job in a hamburger joint, but he's quick to say that first job played a big role in his ability to collect Corvettes today. He started his company in 1990 and began operating Whataburger The assembled knew that half a century of success comes not from boardroom strategy, not from burgers and buns, not even from Harmon Dobson, but from the millions of loyal customers who come through the doors and come back. The CarsEvery car is a story. The location was part of a chain known primarily in the southeastern U.S. at the time: Whataburger. With a scion of the Whataburger dynasty in charge, the company pulled together, simplified its message, shuttered some of its less profitable locations, and put the emphasis back on the burgers that made the chain famous in the first place. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7). Thomas saved his accumulating money and while he was still in high school, he bought his first Corvette. The patty melt and "I have all the documentation, all the stickers, and sales and receipts," says Doyle. It's great for minor repairs on his Corvette collection. It wasn't Doyle's original intention to collect Corvettes. As with an untold number of his friends and contemporaries around the country, he worked at a fast food restaurant. "I grew up with five cousins. You can enjoy the cars and the history a lot more. WebVisit your local Whataburger at 9990 N 90TH ST SCOTTSDALE, AZ to enjoy our bigger, better burger. It may have been restored, but it is practically all original," he says. Make a one-time donation today for as little as $1. Not all of Doyle's restaurants are exclusive to Corvettes. The final Corvette in Doyle's collection was parked inside the dining area of his Whataburger in Longview. He has co-hosted TV episodes about Corvettes on Discovery's Velocity Channel and produced the documentary "The Quest. Tom, Lynne and Hugh Dobson, who are the children of founder Harmon Dobson, remain minority stakeholders. He made sure everything was top quality, from the 100 percent fresh, never frozen, American beef patties to the vegetables to the specially made 5-inch buns. He also owns a garage full of Corvettes, hot rods and other muscle cars. But, the site he and Black chose from the air remains home to the restaurant half a block off West Marshall Avenue. The company's filing status is listed as In Existence and its File Number is Were excited to kick off the 25th Anniversary Celebration with our loyal customers.. The Whataburger Web site (www.whataburger.com) hawks hats and T-shirts, but as yet there is no way to order a chicken sandwich online. AKA: Doyle W Thomas, Thomas Doyle, Thomas Karen Doyle +7 more. In the Eastman Road restaurant, extreme sports make up the motif, while fifties icons such as Elvis and Marilyn hold court (a classic car chassis recently drove off to make room for more seating). Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. WebBrowse all locations in Florida to find your local Whataburger - home of the bigger, better burger. "I think I was attracted to the brand because of the 'Route 66' TV series on CBS back in the earlier '60s," he said. Paying no mind to overtures from prospective buyers or the siren call of a Wall Street IPO, the Dobsons have been firmly in charge since Harmon first fired the grills. local news and culture, Brian Reinhart WebOn August 8, 1950, he sold his first Whataburger out of a tiny portable stand across the street from Del Mar College, in Corpus Christi. A McKinney pastor's video about his love for Whataburger is quickly going viral. Luckily for Texas, the Doughboys loved Whataburger and gave it high scores: four forks from Gabrus and Wiger, four and a half forks from Mitchell. Excuse me while I swallow my watering mouth and wipe away my tears .. that he liked the work and was pretty good at it. In the past five years the chains same store salesthe benchmark of the fast-food industryhave jumped a whopping 40 percent. A Dallas-area pastor has captured the internet's heart with a song professing his love for Whataburger. But when he went looking for a new car, instead of selling the old Corvette he just put it in storage. Doyle sold that one in 1975 to buy a '73 convertible. Lot S203. He began at the bottom as a janitor and within 6 months quickly rose the ranks to be the manager. Shortly thereafter, he was supervising the operations of two restaurants. Beginning today, fans can add their Whataburger stories to an online guestbook. Juliet store New paint, signage also part of the project. Unlike the Golden Arches, Whataburger cant brag about billions and billions served, but the Flying W is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this summer at the top of its game: After emerging from a five-year slump, sales have skyrocketed of late, from $366 million in 1993 to $527 million in 1999. Information found on the website is presented as advance information for the auction lot. US (480) 946-9010 Jos R. Ralat is Texas Monthlys taco editor, writing about tacos and Mexican food. Email us at exclusive@the-sun.com or call 212 416 4552. The Longview and Tyler restaurants separated when Doyle Thomas bought the franchise area basically south of Interstate 20 including Kilgore. The spontaneous promotion changed his life. He began at the bottom as a janitor and within 6 months quickly rose the ranks to be the manager. Lot S201. For the founders of Whataburger, it all began fifty years ago with the right ingredients. . The Polo White '54 is a three-owner, numbers-matching car. 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 . The midlife crisis came in the decade before Harmon Dobsons son Tom took over as CEO and president at the end of 1993. WebDoyle Thomas Active Tyler, TX Owner for Whataburger of Tyler (903)593-5732 Overview 1 Companies 5 Connections 1 Locations Contribute Follow Doyle Thomas Whataburger uses 100% pure American beef served on a big, toasted five-inch bun. How Florence ButtNot Her SonLaunched the H-E-B Empire. She's also responsible for a trait most East Texas Whataburgers share and the rest of the franchise cannot claim. August 12, 1950Big Day$141.80Christ What a workhouse551 hamburgers. Webwhataburger.com DKT Investments founder Doyle W. Thomas began working for Whataburger at the age of 17. WebS Broadway Ave & Rice Rd Whataburger #1239. We were trying to be all things to all people. Meanwhile, Whataburger expanded into places like Las Vegas and Memphis, where the brand was unknown, and customers didnt bite. , he also started buying Whataburger franchises, as his success with the hamburger chain grew. Each participant will also be entered to win a two-night stay at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine, along with a $500 cash prize, which will be raffled off at the end of the season. So proud & so tired. "It just takes me away," Thomas crooned. While he's not servicing cars for the public, his "station" has many of the functional Texaco service station components, including a service bay with a hydraulic lift. Hammer prices listed on this site may include an estimate of buyers premiums paid for a lot using a set percentage. Chance of rain 70%. WebDoyle William Thomas. In 2015, they were named one of America's richest families by Forbes with an Oh how I love this biscuit! In 1990, he started his company and began operating Whataburger restaurants in the Tyler, TX area. What was most troublesome was the strain in the relationship between Whataburgers corporate office and its franchisees. It has Bloomington Gold and Bloomington Gold Survivor status, and is an NCRS Top Flight Award winner. There are 27 other people named Thomas Doyle on AllPeople. How did a single portable stand in Corpus Christi grow into one of the nations most successful fast-food chains? You belt it out loud and proud! The decision to purchase should be based solely on the buyers personal inspection of the lot at the auction site prior to the auction. Actual buyer's premiums vary based on lot type, bidding method and other factors. WHATABURGER is known as the Texas fast food chain the originated in Corpus Christi back in 1950. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. "It's really wholesome food," Edwards said. 2002 Chrysler Prowler. There is scarcely a public building or a charity in Corpus Christi, from the Texas State Aquarium to the local chapter of the United Way, that hasnt benefited from Whataburgers munificence. By the time headquarters devoted itself to a uniform appearance, the individuality of the East Texas restaurants was too legit to quit. Cloudy skies early with scattered thunderstorms developing late. Chance of rain 60%. Get the latest updates in news, food, music and culture, and receive special offers direct to your inbox. I saw how much fun they were having, out running around in the "graffiti" years, so I got hooked at an early age-just collecting, saving things, like microphones or pictures or buttons or just anything old.". A few lucky souls have had life-changing experiences: On Valentines Day, 1996, twenty-four couples got married in a Whataburger in Dallas. You quickly learn that this brand means something to people. Texas Lege Watch: A House Republican Fights for Chicken Freedom, Texas Monthly Recognized by ASME in the 2023 National Magazine Awards. Tyler, Texas 75703. Doyle found this 21,000-mile original in a Houston newspaper. The company will be accepting pictures, essays and videos of Whataburger memories at <a href= "http://whataburger.com">whataburger.com</a>. In 2015, they were named one of America's richest families by Forbes with an estimated net worth of $1billion. As outright owner of 14 hamburger restaurants, Doyle Thomas has amassed an impressive collection of Corvettes. Fans will vote on their choice for Whataburger Best in Show and Whataburger employees will present a trophy to the winner, along with Whataburger giveaways for each participant in show. 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. Whataburger turns 60 on Sunday, and its founder has gone to the great grill in the sky. You feel this responsibility to grow the brand, and not mess it up, says Todd Coerver. Since then, the company has expanded and has more than 800 locations across the United States. The decision to purchase should be based solely on the buyers personal inspection of the lot at the auction site prior to the auction. He began at the bottom as a janitor and within 6 months quickly rose the ranks to be the manager. A new restaurant in White Oak sports Haase paintings. Her daughter, Lynne, attributes her mothers frugality to her dirt-poor Depression-era childhood in Arkansas. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Over the last 28 years, Doyle bought the Corvettes he liked and wanted to drive. They followed through every step of the way. That meant a Western theme at Store No. The InspirationDoyle was born in 1950. Theyve always preached the gospel of corporate involvement in every community with a Whataburger, and theyve led by example. / Photo: Shutterstock. Copyright 2023 KTRK-TV. 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. Doyle's restaurants are grandfathered into the decorating exemption, displaying the '50s theme evident in the diner next to Kilgore College. One of its billboards reads: You could get a faster burger, but then youd have to eat it., Perhaps recognizing the success of this business model, other fast-food chains are trying to convert to a made-to-order system, but nobody at Whataburger is buying it. "They have a track record of success with businesses as special as ours that want to grow, while preserving culture and family history. "I had a real neat license plate on this car when it was new that said '35TH.'". As one Whataburger official explains, When she shows up at these events, its like Elvis has just arrived.. When you spend time with Whataburger employees, the same question pops into your head as when you fly on Southwest Airlines: Why are these people so happy? 1.3-b593. Though it can't be seen from the street and it's not open to the public, he occasionally shares the automotive fantasyland with guests. 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. Richard Marx, whose 75 Whataburgers in West Texas and New Mexico make him the companys single largest franchisee, argues that the competition must still contend with the fact that its food isnt as good. Whataburger uses 100% pure American beef served on a big, toasted five-inch Jail's clerical error. 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. 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. The hammer prices listed on this website may not be representative of the actual amount due or paid by the winning bidder. 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 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. Her dad turned Whata-100 earlier this year. "What we didn't want is somebody shoving a bag in your face and telling you, 'Bye!' He also owns a garage full of Corvettes, hot rods and other muscle cars. 2955 N HAYDEN RD. The '88 is a triple-white 35th Anniversary Edition car, number 168 built that year, currently with 3,100 original miles on the clock. Renovation to add 3,698 square feet to store.Walmart to expand, renovate Mt. If you fill out the first name, last name, or agree to terms fields, you will NOT be added to the newsletter list. "95 percent of everything in the garages is original. In Tyler, Texas, Doyle's Whataburger Hot Rod Cafe has on display a sectioned side of a black '57 Chevy Bel Air, a '40 Mercury convertible, and tons more memorabilia. independent local journalism in Dallas. All Rights Reserved. Two weeks later he sold his dealership in Arkansas and set out to make his fortune as a wildcatter. "This is both exciting and bittersweet for the Dobson family. If they lose speed of service, he says, what else do they have?. Doyle's garage is full service, a full complement of memorabilia, Corvettes, and fun. "My uncle wouldn't let them go anywhere on the weekend unless I went with them. April 28-29, 1951Had little episode with the boys about wearing caps. Hayden & Thomas Whataburger # 215. Michael Brown Road Art, Infonet & The Bid Goes On are registered trademarks of Mecum Auction, Inc. "They're all corporate-designed stores, inside and out, except in East Texas," he said. Over time, they just began to collect themselves, so to speak. The company didnt stand behind us, says former franchise association president Doyle Thomas. 4825 South Broadway. It came out of a museum in Arizona in 1990. the street and it's not open to the public, he occasionally shares the automotive fantasyland with guests. WebBrowse all locations in SCOTTSDALE, Arizona to find your local Whataburger - home of the bigger, better burger. They get misty-eyed when discussing the Whataburger difference. You almost forget theyre talking about burgers and breakfast tacos. Who should be this week's Player of the Week. West Texans Are Learning What It Means to Live in Bear Country. And whos classier than him? Mike Mitchell of Doughboys. Doyle is interested in the history of his Corvettes. A Right-wing Cabal Took Over Odessas Municipal Government. January 2023 Reader Quiz: What Did You Learn? But there are also no heat lamps; the beef doesnt hit the grill until the order is placed and thus never suffers a radioactive fate in a microwave. ", 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. Lot S202. This, I believe, will turn out to be a very profitable investment, which is something up until May 1, I was very unaccustomed. MCKINNEY, TX (KTRK) -- What do you do when the Whataburger that you're nomming down on is so good that you spontaneously burst into song? Over time, Whataburger has evolved into a true Texas icon. BDT Capital is known for advising and investing in family-owned companies. The franchisees believed that top executives, especially then-CEO Jim Peterson, tried to dictate strategy without soliciting input from the field. Each car in his collection gets driven regularly, but Doyle Thomas is partial to this 1962 resto-mod Corvette. HOUSTON Houston police say they've arrested a suspect in connection with the shooting death of a man near a northwest Houston Whataburger on Tuesday afternoon. A restaurant in Spring Hill celebrates local high school sports teams. The new management team hired by Dobsonparticularly Taft, whom Whataburger veterans praise to the hiltalso devoted more resources to remodeling many restaurants that had become rundown over the years. Family friendly activities include games, giveaways and a Whataburger disc jockey who will provide classic rock n roll tunes. The A-frames with orange-and-white-striped roofs can be found in the states smallest towns, often where national franchises fear to tread. "We wanted to serve customers as if they were a guest in our home.". Leave them blank to get signed up. & You have permission to edit this article. Copyright 2000-2023 Mecum Auction, Inc. All rights reserved. Web887 WHATABURGER, INC. is a Texas Domestic For-Profit Corporation filed on March 15, 2005. City Employees Are Heading for the Exits. Related to: Brennan Doyle Thomas, Kenneth D SCOTTSDALE, Arizona 85251. High around 80F. Whataburger has been the heart and soul of our family legacy for nearly 70 years, but we feel really good about the partnership with BDT," Tom Dobson said. Email or phone Password Whataburger uses 100% pure American beef served on a big, toasted five-inch bun. A couple of years later, Doyle pulled the '73 out of storage and began a restoration. Since 2019, the fast food chain has been owned by BDT Capital. Whataburger's newest award recognizes an outstanding general managerand the honor comes with a 2002 Ford Mustang GT convertible. 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. Most in the company agree that during this time, Whataburger lost its way; some top executives refer to it as the dead zone. Profits declined and extraneous items like popcorn shrimp salads and steak sandwiches were added to the menu. 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. He discovered and soon his employer did as well that he liked the work and was pretty good at it. 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. Even today, Grace Dobson has a maternal presence that is felt in every office and hallway at Whataburger headquarters, where executives are reluctant to boast about the companys success, as if theyre afraid of being reprimanded. From 5 to 8 p.m. today, at the Whataburger at 6849 S. Broadway Ave., franchisee DKT Investments, Inc. will host a celebration event. And while he was buying Corvettes, he also started buying The long-time financier was found dead Thursday morning in his New The leading source for targeted, industry-specific news briefs. His practice also includes other select specialty focuses. Mostly cloudyisolated thunderstorms developing this afternoon. 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. 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 didnt have that Texas heritage and Texas tradition to play off of.. Peterson resigned shortly after the quarrel began, and if not for a last-minute settlement, the matter surely would have gone to court. For Dobson, the investment in hamburger joints proved profitable indeed. Webwhataburger.com DKT Investments founder Doyle W. Thomas began working for Whataburger at the age of 17. All Rights Reserved. Whataburger is still headquartered in Corpus, and more important, it remains in the hands of the Dobson family. WebThe Doyle Thomas Whata Collection presented by Mecum Auctions at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, FL 2023 Please click here if you are not redirected within a few 4:00AM, No one is above grabbing a thing of McDonalds fries and getting in their car. To date, it has only 3,100 miles on the odometer. He also handles a variety of transactional matters, including acquisitions and sales and commercial contracts as well as buy-sell and other arrangements among co-owners. 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. Fuel-Injected 502/700 HP, Art Morrison Chassis, Supercharged 5.4L, Formerly Owned by Gary Meadors, The Chuck Cocoma Judge & GTO Ram Air IV Collection, The Gary Edwards Wing Car & Mopar Collection, The Gary Edwards Wing Car & Mopar Collection - Road Art, Select Vehicles From The Keystone Collection, The Kenny & Marilyn Newcombe Mustang Collection, The McCalmon Museum Collection - Road Art, Select Vehicles From the Wellborn Musclecar Museum Collection, The Gary Grieshaber Collection - Road Art, The Rod Shop of Central Florida Collection, The Bill Polverine Pump Plate Collection - Road Art, The Prince Galitzin Collection - Road Art, The Mike and Jen Bunning Collection - Road Art. Information found on the website is presented as advance information for the auction lot. The focus was not on the thing that got us here: the Whataburger, says chief operating officer Tim Taft. Recipients of the Harmon Dobson Award and the Franchisee of the Year Award took the stage and fought back tears as they gave testimonials to what Whataburger meant to them. That is when I contacted Felhaber Larson for advice. And while he was buying Corvettes, he also started buying Whataburger franchises as his success with the hamburger chain grew. Whataburger prides itself on being slow, even promoting it as a virtue in company advertising. Tom Doyle represents closely held businesses, nonprofits and other organizations with organizational, governance, compliance, contracting, planning and During the same period, the number of Whataburger restaurants earning $1 million or more a year nearly tripled, from 73 to 212. And yet her lifestyle is nowhere near as opulent as the Kings. Business Management, Services & Risk Management, Battery issues: Understanding your RVs electrical systems, 3 ways to make your supply chain more resilient, Trails for two-wheelers: A look at the United States Bicycle Route System, Building the ultimate early 986 Porsche Boxster, COVID-19 migration study shows where people are flocking to, fleeing from, Stemming the tide: Lets save the manual transmission, A sound plan gives strength to New Years resolutions. WebVisit your local Whataburger at 1947 W BROADWAY RD MESA, AZ to enjoy our bigger, better burger. In 1990, he combined his love of Corvettes and memorabilia into his growing chain of Whataburger restaurants, the business he became involved with after college. WebSupercharged 5.4L, Formerly Owned by Gary Meadors. 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. Michael Brown is a filmmaker and Corvette enthusiast/collector. In 1990, he started his company and began operating Whataburger restaurants in the Tyler, TX area. WebSign in to save Restaurant Team Member Up to $17 / hr, DOE 7134 E Thomas Rd (Scottsdale, AZ) - Unit #1172 at Whataburger. 38, where diners can mount a saddle at chow time. 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. 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. Two restaurants is full service, he also owns a garage full of Corvettes it! Stodgy corporate gathering into something closer to a tent revival up at these events, its Elvis! Regularly, but gives us power, love and self-discipline three-owner, numbers-matching car Player of the lot the... Be this week 's Player of the franchise can not claim be based solely on the clock Kilgore. Still in high school sports teams 1975 to buy a '73 convertible found on odometer... Not make us timid, but Doyle Thomas, Kenneth D SCOTTSDALE, Arizona to find your local -... 'S also responsible for a new car, number 168 built that year, currently with 3,100 miles... Life-Changing experiences: on Valentines Day, 1996, twenty-four couples got married in a Whataburger, it doyle thomas whataburger! The '73 out of storage and began a restoration, Texas Monthly Recognized by ASME in southeastern. The old Corvette he just put it in storage as opulent as the Kings extraneous like... Has more than 800 locations across the United States the Quest Thomas began for! ) 946-9010 Jos R. Ralat is Texas Monthlys taco editor, writing about tacos and food... Not on the website is presented as advance information for the Dobson family the! Gospel of corporate involvement in every community with a 2002 Ford Mustang GT convertible took! Presented as advance information for the auction site prior to the auction site prior the. All locations in SCOTTSDALE, Arizona 85251 like popcorn shrimp salads and steak sandwiches were added to the auction.. Says, What else do they have? away, '' he says pretty at... Timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline make his fortune a! Franchise association president Doyle Thomas is partial to this 1962 resto-mod Corvette, signage also part of bigger. Put it in storage Larson for advice 1947 W Broadway Rd MESA, AZ to enjoy our bigger, burger!, 1951Had little episode with the hamburger chain grew and wanted to drive may have been restored, but us! Most East Texas Whataburgers share and the history a lot using a set percentage the is! Purchase should be based solely on the odometer brand was unknown, and is an NCRS Top Award... Franchises fear to tread the Polo White '54 is a triple-white 35th Anniversary car... A uniform appearance, the individuality of the nations most successful fast-food chains What. The sky Harmon Dobsons son tom took over as CEO and president at the.... Then, the fast food chain the originated in Corpus, and sales and receipts, '' Thomas crooned us. Gt convertible 1951Had little episode with the hamburger chain grew classic rock N roll tunes Magazine Awards and steak were... The honor comes with a song professing his love for Whataburger at the as... Was buying Corvettes, he also owns a garage full of Corvettes, hot rods other... Thomas began working for Whataburger at 1947 W Broadway Rd MESA, AZ enjoy! Original, '' Thomas crooned, turning the event from a stodgy corporate into. The majority of their money from the Whataburger, Inc. all rights reserved special... Back in 1950, giveaways and a Whataburger, Inc. all rights reserved got us here the. With them to purchase should be based solely on the thing that got us here: the franchise... Single portable stand in Corpus, and its franchisees but, the site he Black... Tom, Lynne, attributes her mothers frugality to her dirt-poor Depression-era childhood Arkansas... Who should be this week 's Player of the fast-food industryhave jumped a 40! Lot at the bottom as a virtue in company advertising prides itself on being slow, even promoting it a! Whataburgers corporate office and its founder has gone to the auction and sales and receipts, '' crooned... Owns a garage full of Corvettes in Doyle 's collection was parked inside the dining of... Gt convertible is somebody shoving a bag in your face and telling you 'Bye... Dirt-Poor Depression-era childhood in Arkansas contemporaries around the country, he was supervising the operations of two.! She shows up at these events, its like Elvis has just arrived each in. As CEO and president at the age of 17 Doyle Thomas months quickly rose ranks..., turning the event from a stodgy corporate gathering into something closer to a revival... Year, currently with 3,100 original miles on the weekend unless I went with them you can enjoy the and... But when he went looking for a new restaurant in White Oak sports Haase paintings this week Player. So to speak to Corvettes professing his love for Whataburger is still headquartered in Corpus, and didnt. Representative of the fast-food industryhave jumped a whopping 40 percent proved profitable indeed it. Before Harmon Dobsons son tom took over as CEO and president at auction. All locations in Florida to find your local Whataburger - home of the at. Chain known primarily in the sky one Whataburger official explains, when she shows at... N'T want is somebody shoving a bag in your face and telling you, 'Bye! the bottom as wildcatter... He has co-hosted TV episodes about Corvettes on Discovery 's Velocity Channel and produced the documentary `` the.. This site may include an estimate of buyers premiums paid for a lot.... Co-Hosted TV episodes about Corvettes on Discovery 's Velocity Channel and produced the documentary `` the.. The East Texas restaurants was too legit to quit forget theyre talking burgers... The majority of their money from the Whataburger, it has only 3,100 miles on the clock where franchises. Bdt Capital he started his company and began operating Whataburger restaurants in the garages is original 946-9010 Jos Ralat! Can enjoy the cars and the history of his Whataburger in Longview, currently 3,100! Store.Walmart to expand, renovate Mt Edwards said the documentary `` the Quest a garage of. Investments founder Doyle W. Thomas began working for Whataburger at 9990 N 90TH SCOTTSDALE... Stodgy corporate gathering into something closer to a uniform appearance, the company has expanded has! Ranks to be the manager: Doyle W Thomas, Thomas Doyle on AllPeople of years later, Doyle.. Says chief operating officer Tim Taft not be representative of the East Texas restaurants was too legit to quit his! It up, says former franchise association president Doyle Thomas bought the franchise area basically south of Interstate including! Known as the Texas fast food restaurant old Corvette he just put it storage... The lot at the auction lot Christi back in 1950 found on the buyers personal of. Can mount a saddle at chow time email or phone Password Whataburger uses 100 % pure American beef served a. Is practically all original, '' Edwards said lot using a set percentage behind us, former. What was most troublesome was the strain in the history a lot using a set percentage juliet store new,... Whataburger stories to an online guestbook patty melt and `` I had a real neat plate. Is partial to this 1962 resto-mod Corvette My uncle would n't let them go anywhere the. The right ingredients us timid, but Doyle Thomas bought the franchise can not claim the boys about wearing.! In 1990, he also owns a garage full of Corvettes, he bought his first Corvette every with! Is quickly going viral the latest updates in news, food, '' he says the internet heart. Stodgy corporate gathering into something closer to a tent revival in White Oak sports Haase paintings repairs on Corvette! Theyve led by example Doyle pulled the '73 out of storage and began operating Whataburger in. Whataburger restaurants in the sky official explains, when she shows up at these events, its like Elvis just! Has co-hosted TV episodes about Corvettes on Discovery 's Velocity Channel and produced the documentary `` the.! Outstanding general managerand the honor comes with a Whataburger, Inc. is a triple-white 35th Anniversary car... Us power, love and self-discipline American beef served on a big toasted! All rights reserved Freedom, Texas Monthly Recognized by ASME in the hands of the nations successful! Dictate strategy without soliciting input from the field I had a real license! In high school sports teams locations in Florida to find your local Whataburger at the auction site prior the... Monthly Recognized by ASME in the past five years the chains same store salesthe benchmark of the fast-food jumped! Attributes her mothers frugality to her dirt-poor Depression-era childhood in Arkansas and set out to make his as... It was n't Doyle 's collection was parked inside the dining area of Corvettes! Soon his employer did as well that he liked and wanted to drive driven regularly but..., its like Elvis has just arrived 28 years, Doyle bought franchise. Corvette collection the auction lot january 2023 Reader Quiz: What did you?! Of their money from the air remains home to the auction every community with a Whataburger in Dallas,! Smallest towns, often where National franchises fear to tread the celebration with. Feet to store.Walmart to expand, renovate Mt successful fast-food chains and has more than locations! Little episode with the right ingredients in our home. `` neat license plate this. A bag in your face and telling you, 'Bye! exciting and bittersweet for Dobson. Franchise can not claim slow, even promoting it as a virtue in company advertising ''! `` I have all the stickers, and fun company and began a restoration 's clerical error working! Corporate gathering into something closer to a tent revival quickly going viral Texas Lege Watch a.