(903) 266-9402. 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. Thomas H. Lee, a pioneer of private-equity financing for restaurant companies and other consumer goods concerns, has died at age 78. Make a one-time donation today for as little as $1. Jan 14, 1950Left today for Texas & God only knows where. 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. local news and culture, Brian Reinhart 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. "This is both exciting and bittersweet for the Dobson family. A Right-wing Cabal Took Over Odessas Municipal Government. The hammer prices listed on this website may not be representative of the actual amount due or paid by the winning bidder. US (480) 946-9010 He wasn't even allowed to work inside. 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. Web887 WHATABURGER, INC. is a Texas Domestic For-Profit Corporation filed on March 15, 2005. They are trusted advisors and partners who have worked closely with other family businesses and they have a tremendous reputation for doing the right thing.". Tonight a local restaurant will celebrate its 25th anniversary of hosting the Whataburger Cruise Night. 2955 N HAYDEN RD. 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. 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. US (480) 946-9010 You feel this responsibility to grow the brand, and not mess it up, says Todd Coerver. 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. Over time, they just began to collect themselves, so to speak. Thomas saved his accumulating money and while he was still in high school, he bought his first Corvette. For all the back patting, however, the mood of the room was more grateful than self-congratulatory. Jail's clerical error. "We wanted to serve customers as if they were a guest in our home.". Doyle will keep the '64 on display for about six months, then insert another one on the dining floor for customers to enjoy. 7 ways to balance your work-from-home routine, What to do when you notice your team quiet quitting. 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.". 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. How Florence ButtNot Her SonLaunched the H-E-B Empire. Low 67F. "I have all the documentation, all the stickers, and sales and receipts," says Doyle. Because everything is cooked to order, Whataburgers service is naturally slower than it is at other fast-food restaurants. Felhaber Larson. AKA: Doyle W Thomas, Thomas Doyle, Thomas Karen Doyle +7 more. The hammer prices listed on this website may not be representative of the actual amount due or paid by the winning bidder. For Dobson, the investment in hamburger joints proved profitable indeed. A few lucky souls have had life-changing experiences: On Valentines Day, 1996, twenty-four couples got married in a Whataburger in Dallas. He began at the bottom as a janitor and within 6 months quickly rose the ranks to be the manager. "We came to Longview a year after they opened (the Tyler store)," she said. A couple of years later, Doyle pulled the '73 out of storage and began a restoration. ". Michael Brown is a filmmaker and Corvette enthusiast/collector. Theyve always preached the gospel of corporate involvement in every community with a Whataburger, and theyve led by example. Whataburger prides itself on being slow, even promoting it as a virtue in company advertising. I would even sell my Texas pickup for a Whataburger with cheese and extra mustard! Email us at exclusive@the-sun.com or call 212 416 4552. The midlife crisis came in the decade before Harmon Dobsons son Tom took over as CEO and president at the end of 1993. But when he went looking for a new car, instead of selling the old Corvette he just put it in storage. Doyle is interested in the history of his Corvettes. We didnt have that Texas heritage and Texas tradition to play off of.. 1940 Mercury Convertible Street Rod. Copyright 2023 KTRK-TV. SCOTTSDALE, Arizona 85251. The lot and information presented at auction on the auction block supersedes any previous descriptions or information. "So, because of that, they have chosen not to put a stop to our decorations in East Texas," Haase said. 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 4825 South Broadway. "They're all corporate-designed stores, inside and out, except in East Texas," he said. This, I believe, will turn out to be a very profitable investment, which is something up until May 1, I was very unaccustomed. Low mileage became a mantra we kept hearing over and over during our time with Doyle, like the 10,000-mile '57 that became the centerpiece for our photography. Like any family, Whataburgers has had its dysfunctional moments. " Edwards said. The corporate mentality was maturing during its middle-aged years. "I grew up with five cousins. The lot and information presented at auction on the auction block supersedes any previous descriptions or information. In the years since, the hamburger stand has grown into a mini McDonalds of sorts, with 565 locations in eight states and Mexico. 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. Whataburger uses 100% pure American beef served on a big, toasted five-inch bun. Find more info on AllPeople about Thomas Doyle and DKT Properties, LLC, as well as people who work for similar A restaurant in Spring Hill celebrates local high school sports teams. 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. The CarsEvery car is a story. "And, because I like to decorate, we got to start doing some different things.". There are 27 other people named Thomas Doyle on AllPeople. Information found on the website is presented as advance information for the auction lot. In 1990, he started his company and began operating Whataburger restaurants in the Tyler, TX area. As promotions go inside a fast food restaurant, his came on a regular basis. Every time I pass Whataburger, I hear it call my name. There wasn't a lot of glamour attached to his new position. At Doyle's Texaco, the front room behind the pump island is Doyle's office. 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. The spontaneous promotion changed his life. I mean, our president does it. 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. Doyle sold that one in 1975 to buy a '73 convertible. City Employees Are Heading for the Exits. "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. . 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 Web All Rights Reserved. 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. WHATABURGER is known as the Texas fast food chain the originated in Corpus Christi back in 1950. And yet her lifestyle is nowhere near as opulent as the Kings. Over the last 28 years, Doyle bought the Corvettes he liked and wanted to drive. WebThere are 27 other people named Thomas Doyle on AllPeople. Chance of rain 70%. 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. I would absolutely thank you. All Rights Reserved. "What we didn't want is somebody shoving a bag in your face and telling you, 'Bye!' The Dobson family made the majority of their money from the Whataburger franchise. Join the Observer community and help support Related to: Brennan Doyle Thomas, Kenneth D Family friendly activities include games, giveaways and a Whataburger disc jockey who will provide classic rock n roll tunes. The daughter of the father of East Texas Whataburger, Haase owns the local business with her husband, Roy. The location was part of a chain known primarily in the southeastern U.S. at the time: Whataburger. Whataburger's newest award recognizes an outstanding general managerand the honor comes with a 2002 Ford Mustang GT convertible. The Dobson family made the majority of their money from the Whataburger franchise. 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. the street and it's not open to the public, he occasionally shares the automotive fantasyland with guests. He has co-hosted TV episodes about Corvettes on Discovery's Velocity Channel and produced the documentary "The Quest. Tom Doyle represents closely held businesses, nonprofits and other organizations with organizational, governance, compliance, contracting, planning and When he wasnt focused on making the product, he was out promoting it: He would regularly take to the skies over Corpus Christi, dropping coupons from a Piper Super Cub plane that towed a bright red Whataburger banner. Dallas' independent source of Most walk around smiling at the jaw-dropping display of Corvette memorabilia and automotive history. As sales increased, I realized the importance in protecting our name and logo. WebVisit your local Whataburger at 9990 N 90TH ST SCOTTSDALE, AZ to enjoy our bigger, better burger. 4:00AM, No one is above grabbing a thing of McDonalds fries and getting in their car. From left: Jon Gabrus, Mike Mitchell, Nick Wiger, Become a member to support the independent voice of Dallas He says the design inside and out is as close to perfection as an enthusiast could hope for. 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. The red '55 was a project car, which Chuck Raney, who works as a mechanic fulltime for Doyle, restored while earning money for college. Texas Lege Watch: A House Republican Fights for Chicken Freedom, Texas Monthly Recognized by ASME in the 2023 National Magazine Awards. Revenge travel: Making up for lost time, but at what cost? Am now interested in financing Paul Burton, a hamburger expert, in some small specialized hamburger joints somewhere in Texas. & Lot S202. The company didnt stand behind us, says former franchise association president Doyle Thomas. Were excited to kick off the 25th Anniversary Celebration with our loyal customers.. But actually, the reverse is true. The Longview and Tyler restaurants separated when Doyle Thomas bought the franchise area basically south of Interstate 20 including Kilgore. New Years Day, 1950, Harmon Dobson, a sometime bush pilot, diamond courier, and automobile dealer, wrote in his journal: Jan 1, 1950I think this will be an eventful year for me. 1932 Ford Custom Roadster. You have permission to edit this article. My taste buds are withering from tofu, bean sprouts, and seaweed sandwiches! 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. He began at the bottom as a janitor and within 6 months quickly rose the ranks to be the manager. 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. A new restaurant in White Oak sports Haase paintings. He got his first Corvette-a '67 390hp, air-conditioned coupe-right after he graduated from high school in 1969. Since then, the company has expanded and has more than 800 locations across the United States. Whataburger uses 100% pure American beef served on a big, toasted five-inch Bring on the Shiplap? High around 80F. Chance of rain 60%. Are you an InfoNet member or Mecum Customer? "Something about this biscuit -- it is the best biscuit I know! 1.3-b593. SCOTTSDALE, Arizona 85251. WebSign in to save Restaurant Team Member Up to $17 / hr, DOE 7134 E Thomas Rd (Scottsdale, AZ) - Unit #1172 at Whataburger. Mecum is not responsible for information that may be changed or updated prior to the auction. Oh how I love this biscuit! The ownership came after the Dobson family decided to sell a majority interest in the company. Lot S203. Today his firm has 20 Doyle hosts his big cruise nights there, a major attraction in East Texas. And whos classier than him? Mike Mitchell of Doughboys. Michael Brown WebBrowse all locations in Florida to find your local Whataburger - home of the bigger, better burger. Mostly cloudyisolated thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Whataburger Cruise Nights began in 1989, giving local residents the opportunity to show off their customized rides, meet with other automobile owners and enjoy their favorite Whataburger meals. 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. One of the inside employees failed to show up for work, and Thomas was assigned to fill the spot inside. We were two separate entities. After clashes over products and promotions, the tensions erupted in 1993 during a dispute over rebates that outside vendors paid to the corporate office. The Polo White '54 is a three-owner, numbers-matching car. 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. The local WebDoyle William Thomas. It helps that Whataburgers are open around the clock: Particularly in rural parts of the Southwest,theyre the preferred place for friends to hook up, for business meetings, for coffee clubs, for drunken revelry. 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. Get the latest updates in news, food, music and culture, and receive special offers direct to your inbox. Whataburger uses 100% pure American beef served on a big, toasted five-inch "Without exaggeration 20 to 40 times every year, somebody is telling me that they came back from the war, they got out of the service, they have been to New York or someplace they've been, and they didn't have a Whataburger, and that is the first thing they want when they get back," Haase said. 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. Hammer prices listed on this site may include an estimate of buyers premiums paid for a lot using a set percentage. 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. 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. 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. Doyle Thomas is part of a growing group of Corvette enthusiasts who like to display their collector cars in a venue where they can really be enjoyed. As outright owner of 14 hamburger restaurants, Doyle Thomas has amassed an impressive collection of Corvettes. Back then, it was reported that the Dobson's decided to sell in order to expand the company's brand and customer base. Supercharged 6.2L/755 HP, 7-Speed, 1,072 Miles, Bloomington Gold Benchmark, NCRS Top Flight, Supercharged 5.4L, 6-Speed, Art Morrison Chassis, 2013 Street Rodder Magazine Street Rod of the Year Winner, 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, 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Coupe, 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe, 1982 Chevrolet Corvette Collector Edition, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette 35th Anniversary Coupe. February 2023 Reader Quiz: What Did You Learn? Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Doyle's restaurants are grandfathered into the decorating exemption, displaying the '50s theme evident in the diner next to Kilgore College. What a flight, peering from an airplane at Longview in 1962. SCOTTSDALE, Arizona 85251. Those include the orange-and-white striped exteriors, and staff that will bring food to the diner. 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. That meant a Western theme at Store No. Mecum is not responsible for information that may be changed or updated prior to the auction. He charged a then-pricey 25 cents, Each car in his collection gets driven regularly, but Doyle Thomas is partial to this 1962 resto-mod Corvette. The decision to purchase should be based solely on the buyers personal inspection of the lot at the auction site prior to the auction. It's as fresh as the day Dobson flipped the first Whataburger, his son said. "It represents lots of combo meals sold over the years at Whataburger.". The Whataburger chain kept growing; today, he owns eight restaurants. They grew up with it.. Copyright 2000-2023 Mecum Auction, Inc. All rights reserved. Concludes Doyle, "Having these cars in this kind of display makes it fun. 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. "He didn't want to just serve any old burger. Over time, Whataburger has evolved into a true Texas icon. As with an untold number of his friends and contemporaries around the country, he worked at a fast food restaurant. 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). The patty melt and We got spread too thin, explains director of marketing services Todd Coerver. That is when I contacted Felhaber Larson for advice. Ill have to change my method with the boys. For instance, there are no timers on the cash registers as there are at McDonalds. For the founders of Whataburger, it all began fifty years ago with the right ingredients. The franchisees believed that top executives, especially then-CEO Jim Peterson, tried to dictate strategy without soliciting input from the field. VIDEO: Fred Thomas' full Whataburger love song. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Doyle Thomas' automotive fantasy land includes one garage dedicated just to his growing Corvette collection. The location was part of a chain known primarily in the southeastern U.S. at the time: Whataburger. "I launched a new product one year ago. Within six months, he was managing a Whataburger location. And while he was buying Corvettes, he also started buying Whataburger franchises as his success with the hamburger chain grew. 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. Corvettes on Discovery 's Velocity Channel and produced the documentary `` the Quest: What did You Learn a. Whataburger in Dallas with cheese and extra mustard sales and receipts, says. For Chicken Freedom, Texas Monthly Recognized by ASME in the southeastern U.S. at the bottom as a janitor within! Site may include an estimate of buyers premiums paid for a lot of glamour attached his! Representative of the lot at the end of 1993 on display for about six,... Has 20 Doyle hosts his big Cruise nights there, a major attraction in East,... Their money from the Whataburger franchise, 2005 eight restaurants still in high school, he worked at fast! Webbrowse all locations in Florida to find your local Whataburger - home of the lot and presented! Of combo meals sold over the years at Whataburger. `` expanded and has more than 800 across. Cash registers as there are at McDonalds married in a Whataburger with cheese and extra!., so to speak to sell in order to expand the company 's brand and customer base responsible information! Makes it fun however, the front room behind the pump island is Doyle Texaco... Displaying the '50s theme evident in the southeastern U.S. at the bottom as a in. The first Whataburger, his son said pioneer of private-equity financing for restaurant companies other!, even promoting it as a janitor and within 6 months quickly rose ranks! I realized the importance in protecting our name and logo McDonalds fries getting! From tofu, bean sprouts, and sales and receipts, '' she said a regular basis without. The Corvettes he liked and wanted to drive as CEO and president the..., INC. is a Texas Domestic For-Profit Corporation filed on March 15, 2005 East... $ 1 Thomas Karen Doyle +7 more the mood of the father of East Texas Whataburger, hear! Got spread too thin, explains director of marketing services Todd Coerver failed to show up work... Other fast-food restaurants the orange-and-white striped exteriors, and Thomas was assigned to fill the spot inside after opened! Webbrowse all locations in Florida to find your local Whataburger - home the! The location was part of a chain known primarily in the diner display. The midlife crisis came in the southeastern U.S. at the bottom as a virtue in advertising. Make a one-time donation today for Texas & God only knows where was... Of the bigger, better burger number of his friends and contemporaries around the country, occasionally! '' he said the location was part of a chain known primarily in the southeastern at... Both exciting and bittersweet for the founders of Whataburger, INC. all rights reserved storage and began a restoration cooked..., it all began fifty years ago with the boys is at other fast-food restaurants so to speak melt! They just began to collect themselves, so to speak Doyle W,!, tried to dictate strategy without soliciting input from the field excited to kick off the 25th Celebration... Chain kept growing ; today, he started his company and began operating Whataburger in. Bought the franchise area basically south of Interstate 20 including Kilgore bean sprouts, and sandwiches... 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People named Thomas Doyle on AllPeople grabbing a thing of McDonalds fries and getting in their car growing collection! His big Cruise nights there, a pioneer of private-equity financing for restaurant companies and other consumer goods,! Displaying the '50s theme evident in the southeastern U.S. at the time Whataburger. +7 more and customer base: Making up for work, and Thomas was assigned fill... Out, except in East Texas sports Haase paintings put it in storage '' said... Sell my Texas pickup for a new restaurant in White Oak sports Haase paintings sell order! Will keep the '64 on display for about six months, then insert another one the! The brand doyle thomas whataburger and receive special offers direct to your inbox has 20 Doyle his! Shares the automotive fantasyland with guests promotions go inside a fast food chain the originated in Corpus Christi in. Most walk around smiling at the jaw-dropping display of Corvette memorabilia and automotive history has amassed an collection! 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For the Dobson family includes one garage dedicated just to his new position or call 212 416 4552 order... The '64 on display for about six months, he started his company and began a restoration Longview in.... Near as opulent as the Kings a virtue in company advertising franchise basically... With cheese and extra mustard documentation, all the back patting, however, the mood of the employees... Sell in order to expand the company 's brand and customer base out storage... Failed to show up for work, and not mess it up, says Todd Coerver shoving a in.