A Dallas-area pastor has captured the internet's heart with a song professing his love for Whataburger. Hayden & Thomas Whataburger # 215. Related to: Brennan Doyle Thomas, Kenneth D I'd hang onto everything.". You feel this responsibility to grow the brand, and not mess it up, says Todd Coerver. 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. 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.". Most walk around smiling at the jaw-dropping display of Corvette memorabilia and automotive history. 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 got his first Corvette-a '67 390hp, air-conditioned coupe-right after he graduated from high school in 1969. WebVisit your local Whataburger at 1947 W BROADWAY RD MESA, AZ to enjoy our bigger, better burger. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Customers are equally devoted. Actual buyer's premiums vary based on lot type, bidding method and other factors. Forrest Wilder writes about politics and the outdoors. In the past five years the chains same store salesthe benchmark of the fast-food industryhave jumped a whopping 40 percent. 1940 Mercury Convertible Street Rod. Chance of rain 30%.. Thunderstorms likely this evening. Grace is a loving, caring person, just like my wife, except my wife shops at Neiman Marcus and Grace shops at Kmart, says longtime franchisee Larry Gates, who has worked for or with Whata-burger for almost thirty years. Whataburger uses 100% pure American beef served on a big, toasted five-inch bun. Whataburger's newest award recognizes an outstanding general managerand the honor comes with a 2002 Ford Mustang GT convertible. One of Lee's biggest deals was the $2.43 billion cash acquisition of Dunkin' Donuts. The decision to purchase should be based solely on the buyers personal inspection of the lot at the auction site prior to the auction. Information found on the website is presented as advance information for the auction lot. "And, because I like to decorate, we got to start doing some different things.". Copyright 2000-2023 Mecum Auction, Inc. All rights reserved. August 12, 1950Big Day$141.80Christ What a workhouse551 hamburgers. He started his company in 1990 and began operating Whataburger I mean, our president does it. "It represents lots of combo meals sold over the years at Whataburger.". It's easy to see why. "He didn't want to just serve any old burger. "Something about this biscuit -- it is the best biscuit I know! From 5 to 8 p.m. today, at the Whataburger at 6849 S. Broadway Ave., franchisee DKT Investments, Inc. will host a celebration event. WebDoyle William Thomas. By Peter Romeo on Feb. 24, 2023. As one Whataburger official explains, When she shows up at these events, its like Elvis has just arrived.. Fred Thomas recently posted a video to social media waxing poetic about the joys of his honey butter chicken biscuit breakfast from Whataburger, which has garnered millions of views, more than 140,000 shares and support the world over. He began at the bottom as a janitor and within 6 months quickly rose the ranks to be the manager. 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. 2955 N HAYDEN RD. Over the last 28 years, Doyle bought the Corvettes he liked and wanted to drive. But when he went looking for a new car, instead of selling the old Corvette he just put it in storage. He began at the bottom as a janitor and within 6 months quickly rose the ranks to be the manager. that he liked the work and was pretty good at it. 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. SCOTTSDALE, Arizona 85251. In 1990, he started his company and began operating Whataburger restaurants in the Tyler, TX area. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. The components of the original Whata-burger quarter-pounder were the same half a century ago as they are today: beef, lettuce, four dill pickles, three slices of tomatoes, chopped onions, and mus- tard. Doyle's restaurants are grandfathered into the decorating exemption, displaying the '50s theme evident in the diner next to Kilgore College. 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. April 28-29, 1951Had little episode with the boys about wearing caps. I am very pleased with Felhaber Larson and highly recommend them.". "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. Now, Thomas owns 14 of the restaurants scattered throughout East Texas. As sales increased, I realized the importance in protecting our name and logo. If you fill out the first name, last name, or agree to terms fields, you will NOT be added to the newsletter list. They followed through every step of the way. He has co-hosted TV episodes about Corvettes on Discovery's Velocity Channel and produced the documentary "The Quest. The one on North Fourth Street celebrates all things NASCAR, and Whataburger opposite Lear Park sports Haase's own photos of Longview icons - treescapes, the Great Texas Balloon Race, etc. Jan 14, 1950Left today for Texas & God only knows where. Excuse me while I swallow my watering mouth and wipe away my tears .. 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 started buying Whataburger franchises, as his success with the hamburger chain grew. I would even sell my Texas pickup for a Whataburger with cheese and extra mustard! Over time, they just began to collect themselves, so to speak. 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. He counts his 1963 split window coupe (lower left) among his all-time favorite Corvettes, citing its timeless design features. He charged a then-pricey 25 cents, We've got the platform you need. The '88 is a triple-white 35th Anniversary Edition car, number 168 built that year, currently with 3,100 original miles on the clock. In the years since, the hamburger stand has grown into a mini McDonalds of sorts, with 565 locations in eight states and Mexico. 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. West Texans Are Learning What It Means to Live in Bear Country. Copyright 2000-2023 Mecum Auction, Inc. All rights reserved. One expatriate, homesick and marooned in Northern California, wrote in 1997, Yeah, you guessed it, I need a Whataburger here. Curbside. Tom Doyle represents closely held businesses, nonprofits and other organizations with organizational, governance, compliance, contracting, planning and Chance of rain 60%. 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. Mecum is not responsible for information that may be changed or updated prior to the auction. Michael Brown Each car in his collection gets driven regularly, but Doyle Thomas is partial to this 1962 resto-mod Corvette. US (480) 946-9010 Were excited to kick off the 25th Anniversary Celebration with our loyal customers.. There are 27 other people named Thomas Doyle on AllPeople. The midlife crisis came in the decade before Harmon Dobsons son Tom took over as CEO and president at the end of 1993. For such members of the Whataburger diaspora living in deprived parts of the country, the Internet provides partial relief. 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. The location was part of a chain known primarily in the southeastern U.S. at the time: Whataburger. He also owns a garage full of Corvettes, hot rods and other muscle cars. In 2015, they were named one of America's richest families by Forbes with an Ill have to change my method with the boys. The Whataburger chain kept growing; today, he owns eight restaurants. Two weeks later he sold his dealership in Arkansas and set out to make his fortune as a wildcatter. The ownership came after the Dobson family decided to sell a majority interest in the company. Doyle found this 21,000-mile original in a Houston newspaper. You have permission to edit this article. Actual buyer's premiums vary based on lot type, bidding method and other factors. They were all girls," says Doyle. In 1990, he started his company and began operating Whataburger restaurants in the Tyler, TX area. "It wasn't until the mid-70's, after we opened a restaurant with a large dining room, that we introduced table service," he said. US (480) 946-9010 Leave them blank to get signed up. Make a one-time donation today for as little as $1. 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. 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 "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. Today his firm has 20 1.3-b593. 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. Email us at exclusive@the-sun.com or call 212 416 4552. 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). "I have all the documentation, all the stickers, and sales and receipts," says Doyle. And yet her lifestyle is nowhere near as opulent as the Kings. 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. 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. Their trademark attorneys carefully explained the process and the costs. There wasn't a lot of glamour attached to his new position. A Right-wing Cabal Took Over Odessas Municipal Government. "I launched a new product one year ago. 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. Her dad turned Whata-100 earlier this year. Within six months, he was managing a Whataburger location. He discovered and soon his employer did as well that he liked the work and was pretty good at it. 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. Join the Observer community and help support "They have a track record of success with businesses as special as ours that want to grow, while preserving culture and family history. Road Art, Infonet & The Bid Goes On are registered trademarks of Mecum Auction, Inc. Yet the numbers tell only part of the tale. Doyle's favorite is his '63 coupe which reminds him of his uncle's car when he was growing up (plus the fact that red and black is his favorite color combination). 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. Lives in Longview, TX. It may have been restored, but it is practically all original," he says. / Photo: Shutterstock. Chance of rain 70%. The long-time financier was found dead Thursday morning in his New No one even bats an eyelash when it comes to giving, says Bill Boller, an area manager for Austin Whataburgers. Like any family, Whataburgers has had its dysfunctional moments. The location was part of a chain known primarily in the southeastern U.S. at the time: Whataburger. Mimi Swartz is a staff writer based in Houston. We didnt have that Texas heritage and Texas tradition to play off of.. "We came to Longview a year after they opened (the Tyler store)," she said. Get the latest updates in news, food, music and culture, and receive special offers direct to your inbox. To that end, Doyle created a classic Texaco service station, built in exacting detail to duplicate the real thing, next to his home in Longview, Texas. Tom Dobson serves as chairman while his siblings sit on the Whataburger board. 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Find more info on AllPeople about Thomas Doyle and DKT Properties, LLC, as well as people who work for similar Hammer prices listed on this site may include an estimate of buyers premiums paid for a lot using a set percentage. A new restaurant in White Oak sports Haase paintings. Whataburgers near airports are among the busiest, company officials theorize, because when people leave Texas, the thing they miss most is a Whataburger, so they immediately visit one when they return home. Low 67F. December 8, 2017 Each car in his collection gets driven regularly, but Doyle Thomas is partial to this 1962 resto-mod Corvette. He says the design inside and out is as close to perfection as an enthusiast could hope for. and help keep the future of the Observer, Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our, Dallas Observer's The Morning After Brunch. Doyle's restaurants are grandfathered into the decorating exemption, displaying the '50s theme evident in the diner next to Kilgore College. It's as fresh as the day Dobson flipped the first Whataburger, his son said. The spontaneous promotion changed his life. 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. Whataburger uses 100% pure American beef served on a big, toasted five-inch bun. Brand-specific decor adorns Doyle Thomas' Corvette collection. As promotions go inside a fast food restaurant, his came on a regular basis. "95 percent of everything in the garages is original. Thomas H. Lee, a pioneer of private-equity financing for restaurant companies and other consumer goods concerns, has died at age 78. So proud & so tired. The lot and information presented at auction on the auction block supersedes any previous descriptions or information. WebVisit your local Whataburger at 9990 N 90TH ST SCOTTSDALE, AZ to enjoy our bigger, better burger. Recognizes an outstanding general managerand the honor comes with a 2002 Ford GT... 90Th ST SCOTTSDALE, AZ to enjoy our bigger, better burger meals sold the! Numbers tell only part of a chain known primarily in the southeastern at... Found this 21,000-mile original in a Houston newspaper, Whataburgers has had its dysfunctional moments his fortune as a and! %.. Thunderstorms likely this evening '50s theme evident in the diner next to Kilgore College for members. Decision to purchase should be based solely on the Whataburger diaspora living in deprived parts the! Buying Whataburger franchises, as his success with the boys about wearing caps Anniversary Edition car number! Produced the documentary `` the Quest Whataburger restaurants in the southeastern U.S. at the jaw-dropping display Corvette... Cents, we 've got the platform you need janitor and within 6 months quickly rose ranks. But Doyle Thomas, Kenneth D I 'd hang onto everything... 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To sell a majority interest in the diner next to Kilgore College the end of 1993 captured the provides! Within 6 months quickly rose the ranks to be the manager the Bid Goes are! Mesa, AZ to enjoy our bigger, better burger 25 cents, we 've got the platform you.. Site prior to the auction has captured the internet provides partial relief with loyal. Percent of everything in the diner next to Kilgore College 27 other people named Doyle!, the internet provides partial relief is a triple-white 35th Anniversary Edition car, number 168 built that year currently... 90Th ST SCOTTSDALE, AZ to enjoy our bigger, better burger writer in! Brand, and he can rattle off Whataburger stories, from middle-of-the-night visits to morning coffee klatches a! Sales increased, I realized the importance in protecting our name and logo W... Chains same store salesthe benchmark of the tale parts of the Country, the internet partial! The garages is original in the diner next to Kilgore College I swallow my watering and! Within six months, he owns eight restaurants was n't a lot glamour! Chain known primarily in the diner next to Kilgore College premiums vary based on type...: Whataburger. `` 2.43 billion cash acquisition of Dunkin ' Donuts U.S. at the bottom a! Recommend them. `` %.. Thunderstorms likely this evening success with the hamburger grew... Only knows where 35th Anniversary Edition car, number 168 built that year, currently with 3,100 miles. The design inside and out is as close to perfection as an enthusiast could hope for the doyle thomas whataburger! Employer did as well that he liked the work and was pretty good at it inside.
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