Unveiling the Origin: Where Was the First Whataburger?

Whataburger, the mere mention of which conjures up images of orange and white stripes, juicy burgers, and late-night cravings, has become an institution, especially in Texas and the Southern United States. But where did this fast-food giant's journey begin? Let's dive into the history and uncover the location of the very first Whataburger.

The Birth of a Burger Legend

The story starts with Harmon Dobson, an adventurous entrepreneur with a vision for a better burger. In the golden age of drive-ins, Dobson wanted to create a burger so large it required two hands to hold, and so delicious that one bite would elicit a resounding, What a burger!.

Dobson was granted the Whataburger trademark in June 1950. On August 8, 1950, Harmon Dobson, along with Paul Burton, opened the doors to Whataburger #1. This wasn't a grand opening in a fancy building, but rather a launch from a small, portable metal structure.

The Exact Location

The first Whataburger was located at 2609 Ayers Street in Corpus Christi, Texas, across from Del Mar College. Imagine a simple burger stand, serving up dreams one patty at a time. Back then, the signature Whataburger cost just 25 cents and consisted of a quarter-pound beef patty on a five-inch bun, topped with fresh lettuce, three tomato slices, four dill pickles, chopped onions, ketchup, and mustard. Alongside the now-iconic burger, customers could purchase soft drinks and chips.

Early Days and Success

On its first day, Whataburger #1 raked in $50 in sales. Just four days later, sales jumped to $141.80 from 551 burgers sold. It became clear that Dobson's vision was resonating with the local community.

The partnership between Dobson and Burton ended in 1951 due to disagreements on pricing. Dobson wanted to raise the price of the burger from 25 to 30 cents. Burton took control of the Whataburger franchises in the San Antonio region as a result of the settlement. Months later, the price of a Whataburger was increased to 35 cents.

Expansion and the Flying W

Within three years, Whataburger expanded beyond Corpus Christi, opening a location in Kingsville, Texas. In 1953, Joe Andrews Sr. became the first franchisee, opening a store in Alice, Texas. The first Whataburger outside of Texas popped up in Pensacola, Florida, in 1959.

Inspired by his love for flying, Dobson introduced the now-iconic orange and white striped A-frame store design in Odessa, Texas, in 1961. He wanted his stores to be easily recognizable from the air. In 1967, the Flying W logo was commissioned.

Whataburger Today

From its humble origins, Whataburger has grown to over 1,000 locations across 16 states. Though the original stand is long gone (the location now houses a cellphone repair shop), the legacy remains. 

Whataburger continues to serve made-to-order burgers, staying true to Harmon Dobson's original vision. While the brand changed ownership in 2019, the Dobson family maintains a small stake, and the company's headquarters remains in San Antonio, Texas.

So, the next time you bite into a delicious Whataburger, remember its roots in that small burger stand on Ayers Street in Corpus Christi. It’s a story of ambition, a great burger, and a Texas-sized dream.