The 1960s AND THE 1970S
By the1960s, numerous stores began across Texas, Florida, and Tennessee. As Mr. Dobson was inspired by his love for flying, he came up with the iconic orange and white striped A-frame store in Odessa, Texas, in 1961. Later in 1963, the company's restaurants expanded to Arizona and totaled 26 stores within months.
In 1965, it was estimated that the company was selling nearly 15,000 burgers daily just in the Texas Coastal Bend area alone. A couple of years later, in 1967, the company designed and established the "Flying W" as it's company logo resulting in the company's expansion to about 40 restaurants within four states.
Unfortunately, on April 11, 1967, Mr. Dobson died in an airplane crash, leaving his wife and widow, Grace Dobson, to take control of the rapidly growing business.
As the company thrived and grew, the number of Whataburger restaurant's locations doubled to well over 200 spanning across as many as 12 states. In 1971, the company opened its first drive-through store, and then in 1972, it opened with a celebrating its 100th store. By1974, the Company's A-frame design was changed to a "Modern A-Frame" in order accommodate drive-thrus and larger dining rooms.
In 1965, it was estimated that the company was selling nearly 15,000 burgers daily just in the Texas Coastal Bend area alone. A couple of years later, in 1967, the company designed and established the "Flying W" as it's company logo resulting in the company's expansion to about 40 restaurants within four states.
Unfortunately, on April 11, 1967, Mr. Dobson died in an airplane crash, leaving his wife and widow, Grace Dobson, to take control of the rapidly growing business.
As the company thrived and grew, the number of Whataburger restaurant's locations doubled to well over 200 spanning across as many as 12 states. In 1971, the company opened its first drive-through store, and then in 1972, it opened with a celebrating its 100th store. By1974, the Company's A-frame design was changed to a "Modern A-Frame" in order accommodate drive-thrus and larger dining rooms.