First Whataburger was served 66 years ago today
the 65-year history of Whataburger. Photo: San Antonio Express-News"/>
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The evolution of the burger chain Whataburger's architecture was recently explored for a blog post and an episode of an architecture podcast. Host Brantley Hightower wrote a lengthy post on the brand's famous A-frame designs, which are burned into the brains of hungry Texans. He also recorded a podcast episode for the HiWorks series he records.
lessThe evolution of the burger chain Whataburger's architecture was recently explored for a blog post and an episode of an architecture podcast. Host Brantley Hightower wrote a lengthy post on the brand's famous
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From a sweaty stand on the Texas gulf coast to a chain with drive-thrus from Arizona to Florida, these vintage photographs chart the 65-year history of Whataburger.
From a sweaty stand on the Texas gulf coast to a chain with drive-thrus from Arizona to Florida, these vintage photographs chart the 65-year history of Whataburger.
Photo: San Antonio Express-News Image 3 of 53
To the chagrin of some Corpus Christians, people often mistake this restaurant for the original one. While it is the flagship store, it did not open until 1999.
To the chagrin of some Corpus Christians, people often mistake this restaurant for the original one. While it is the flagship store, it did not open until 1999.
Photo: Courtesy Photo Image 4 of 53
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.
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.
Photo: Whataburger Image 5 of 53
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. less
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 ... more
Photo: Courtesy Photo Image 6 of 53
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.
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.
Photo: COURTESY PHOTO Image 7 of 53
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.
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.
Photo: Courtesy Photo Image 8 of 53
The Whataburger counter crew of 1950 served 35 cent hamburgers, 15 cent milkshakes and a gallon jug of root beer for 60 cents.
The Whataburger counter crew of 1950 served 35 cent hamburgers, 15 cent milkshakes and a gallon jug of root beer for 60 cents.
Photo: Courtesy Photo Image 9 of 53
The sign in front of restaurant Number 9 in Corpus Christi, circa 1953
The sign in front of restaurant Number 9 in Corpus Christi, circa 1953
Photo: Courtesy Photo Image 10 of 53
For having the first all electric restaurant, Harmon received an award from the Central Power and Light at Whataburger restaurant #2.
For having the first all electric restaurant, Harmon received an award from the Central Power and Light at Whataburger restaurant #2.
Photo: Courtesy Photo Image 11 of 53
During World War II, Harmon Dobson built military hangars. Later, he would fly through the skies of Corpus Christi pulling a Whataburger banner and dropping coupons for free hamburgers.
During World War II, Harmon Dobson built military hangars. Later, he would fly through the skies of Corpus Christi pulling a Whataburger banner and dropping coupons for free hamburgers.
Photo: Courtesy Photo Image 12 of 53
Corpus Christi, circa summer 1955: According to Howard Henslee, pictured on the far left, "It's not whether you win or lose, but where you eat after the game" was an old Whataburger saying.
Corpus Christi, circa summer 1955: According to Howard Henslee, pictured on the far left, "It's not whether you win or lose, but where you eat after the game" was an old Whataburger saying.
Photo: Courtesy Photo Image 13 of 53
According to Harmon Dobson's journal, the total sales on the first day of business were $50. In those days, a burger cost less than a stamp.
According to Harmon Dobson's journal, the total sales on the first day of business were $50. In those days, a burger cost less than a stamp.
Photo: Courtesy Photo Image 14 of 53
Harmon Dobson was a devoted diarist for much if his life.
Harmon Dobson was a devoted diarist for much if his life.
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"This, I believe, will turn out to be a very profitable investment."
"This, I believe, will turn out to be a very profitable investment."
Photo: Nicole Truly, McGarrah Jessee, Courtesy Photo Image 16 of 53
In this early 1950s view of Whataburger restaurant Number 2, customers lean against a bar, known as the "cattle rail" by some old-timers.
In this early 1950s view of Whataburger restaurant Number 2, customers lean against a bar, known as the "cattle rail" by some old-timers.
Photo: Courtesy Photo Image 17 of 53
The first neon sign flashed in four stages: What…A…Burger…Whataburger.
The first neon sign flashed in four stages: What…A…Burger…Whataburger.
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The Whataburger sign in front of Unit 9 in Corpus Christi, circa 1953
The Whataburger sign in front of Unit 9 in Corpus Christi, circa 1953
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Joe Andrews Sr. opened the first franchised unit in Alice, Texas. It was the fifth store overall.
Joe Andrews Sr. opened the first franchised unit in Alice, Texas. It was the fifth store overall.
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Harmon Dobson stands with his five-year-old future Mr. Whataburger, Tom Dobson (1955).
Harmon Dobson stands with his five-year-old future Mr. Whataburger, Tom Dobson (1955).
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Grace and Harmon Dobson had three children: Hugh, Tom and Lynn (left to right, circa 1958).
Grace and Harmon Dobson had three children: Hugh, Tom and Lynn (left to right, circa 1958).
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The first city and state outside of Texas to have Whataburger was Pensacola, Florida in 1959.
The first city and state outside of Texas to have Whataburger was Pensacola, Florida in 1959.
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An original Harmon Dobson business card from the sixties.
An original Harmon Dobson business card from the sixties.
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In this picture from 1960, Tom Dobson is the kid slurping a shake in front of an old box-styled store in Clearwater, Florida.
In this picture from 1960, Tom Dobson is the kid slurping a shake in front of an old box-styled store in Clearwater, Florida.
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Here's another view of the old box-styled store. Can you spot Tom?
Here's another view of the old box-styled store. Can you spot Tom?
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Here Tom Dobson is in 1993 when he became Whataburger CEO and president.
Here Tom Dobson is in 1993 when he became Whataburger CEO and president.
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Circa 1960s, this restaurant is #26 in Welasco, Texas.
Circa 1960s, this restaurant is #26 in Welasco, Texas.
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Number 26 in Welasco, Texas during the day
Number 26 in Welasco, Texas during the day
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The design of the McAllen restaurant was meant to attract people with the orange and white board, visible from way down the street.
The design of the McAllen restaurant was meant to attract people with the orange and white board, visible from way down the street.
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This is Number 24 under construction in Odessa, Texas. The early A-frame buildings were bolted and welded like skyscrapers (except they didn't have power tools back then).
This is Number 24 under construction in Odessa, Texas. The early A-frame buildings were bolted and welded like skyscrapers (except they didn't have power tools back then).
Photo: Courtesy Photo Image 31 of 53
When finished, Number 24 was boasting 6,500 watts of lighting.
When finished, Number 24 was boasting 6,500 watts of lighting.
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Circa 1960s in Kingsville, Texas
Circa 1960s in Kingsville, Texas
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The menu from 1962. The Whataburger Jr. didn't arrive until 1973.
The menu from 1962. The Whataburger Jr. didn't arrive until 1973.
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Circa 1962: Whataburger’s first iconic A-frame stood at three times the height of the other burger stands.
Circa 1962: Whataburger’s first iconic A-frame stood at three times the height of the other burger stands.
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1960s: From 1961 to 1976, Whataburger built approximately 80 of theses distinct A-frame stores.
1960s: From 1961 to 1976, Whataburger built approximately 80 of theses distinct A-frame stores.
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This store in McAllen, the seventh one, was all outdoors. Its design is considered the bridge between the old box store and the A-frame (circa 1960s).
This store in McAllen, the seventh one, was all outdoors. Its design is considered the bridge between the old box store and the A-frame (circa 1960s).
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Grace Dobson, wife of founder Harmon Dobson, took over the business after her husband died in a tragic airplane accident in 1967. She was officially named chairwoman of the board roughly two years later.
Grace Dobson, wife of founder Harmon Dobson, took over the business after her husband died in a tragic airplane accident in 1967. She was officially named chairwoman of the board roughly two years later.
Photo: Courtesy Photo Image 38 of 53
This 1967 sign is a precursor to the "Flying W." Harmon Dobson's love for aviation influenced the company's official logo.
This 1967 sign is a precursor to the "Flying W." Harmon Dobson's love for aviation influenced the company's official logo.
Photo: Courtesy Photo Image 39 of 53
By 1967 there were Whataburger restaurants in Texas, Florida, Tennessee and Arizona (pictured here).
By 1967 there were Whataburger restaurants in Texas, Florida, Tennessee and Arizona (pictured here).
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Employees dressed in the latest 1970s fashions. Working the grill and fryers in non-wrinkle polyester was one hot job.
Employees dressed in the latest 1970s fashions. Working the grill and fryers in non-wrinkle polyester was one hot job.
Photo: Courtesy Photo Image 41 of 53
In 1974, a new building design was introduced. Can you spot the A-frame with wings?
In 1974, a new building design was introduced. Can you spot the A-frame with wings?
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1979 was the year Whataburger introduced a breakfast menu, and by 1982 they were operating 24 hours a day.
1979 was the year Whataburger introduced a breakfast menu, and by 1982 they were operating 24 hours a day.
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This 1981 advertisement featured country singer Mel Tillis.
This 1981 advertisement featured country singer Mel Tillis.
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Actor William H. Bassett provided the voiceover for Whataburger commercials for nine years in the early 2000s.
Actor William H. Bassett provided the voiceover for Whataburger commercials for nine years in the early 2000s.
Photo: PHOTO COURTESY WILLIAM H. BASSETT Image 45 of 53
In this photo from 1983, a fireman clears the damage from a Whataburger on Broadway Street in San Antonio.
In this photo from 1983, a fireman clears the damage from a Whataburger on Broadway Street in San Antonio.
Photo: San Antonio Express-News Image 46 of 53
In 2004, local baseball fans celebrated the opening of Whataburger Field, home to the Corpus Christi Hooks.
In 2004, local baseball fans celebrated the opening of Whataburger Field, home to the Corpus Christi Hooks.
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"Lady Grace" threw a perfect strike at the groundbreaking ceremony. She passed away in 2005.
"Lady Grace" threw a perfect strike at the groundbreaking ceremony. She passed away in 2005.
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After Hurrican Ike hit the Texas Coast in 2008, Whataburger moved its headquarters from Corpus Christi to San Antonio.
After Hurrican Ike hit the Texas Coast in 2008, Whataburger moved its headquarters from Corpus Christi to San Antonio.
Photo: LISA KRANTZ, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS Image 49 of 53
Tom Dobson for Whataburger, along with leaders from Southwest Business Corp. and HEB, were among the 2013 inductees in the Texas Business Hall of Fame.
Tom Dobson for Whataburger, along with leaders from Southwest Business Corp. and HEB, were among the 2013 inductees in the Texas Business Hall of Fame.
Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News Image 50 of 53
San Antonio Spurs' Danny Green fits on a Whataburger mask to visit Howsman Elementary School for Whataburger's Whatcha Reading program in 2013.
San Antonio Spurs' Danny Green fits on a Whataburger mask to visit Howsman Elementary School for Whataburger's Whatcha Reading program in 2013.
Photo: BOB OWEN, San Antonio Express-News Image 51 of 53
Preston Atkinson is the current president of Whataburger.
Preston Atkinson is the current president of Whataburger.
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On August 8, 2015, the chain celebrates its 65th anniversary with generations of loyal Whataburger-enthusiasts.
On August 8, 2015, the chain celebrates its 65th anniversary with generations of loyal Whataburger-enthusiasts.
Photo: Courtesy Of Whataburger Image 53 of 53
First Whataburger was served 66 years ago today
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We at Houston BizFeed never need an excuse to eat a Whataburger.
So when we learned (thanks to our friends at MySA.com) that the first of these Texas culinary masterpieces was served 66 years ago Monday, we tossed our brown bag lunch and made new plans. After all, it'd be a shame to ignore an anniversary.
The chain had humble beginnings at a portable building in Corpus Christi, where on that first day, earnings totaled $50, the company says on its website. That's not too bad considering the burgers sold for 25 cents.
"Four days later they took $141.80 and sold 551 burgers. The word was out. Whataburger was a success," the Texas State Historical Association says in the restaurant's online history.
Today, the chain has 800 restaurants in 10 states and employs 35,000 people.