Whataburger -- Tasty Travels & Tr(EATS) in Texas

Whataburger - the Tale of a Legend

Whataburger opened its first store in Corpus Christi, Texas in August of 1950.

Hamburgers sold for .35C and milk shakes were .15C.

No inside – or for that matter outside – seating.

No Drive-THRU. (Although the drive-in burger joint was already popular.)

No phone-in orders or GrubHub deliveries.

ONE walk-up window to place an order.

What gave Whataburger the edge?

Perhaps it was their innovative thinking, entrenched with family-owned traditions:


1) The 5-inch paddy that required two hands to hold. (All others at the time served a 4-inch paddy).

2) The unique A-frame orange & white striped buildings. (Entrepreneur Harmon Dobson was a pilot and he wanted the buildings to be seen from the air.)

3) A woman at the helm – ‘Lady’ Grace Dobson took up the reins of Whataburger when her husband died in 1967 and continued until 1993 when their son took over as president & CEO.


4) Offer additional products that customers loved: Taquito (remember, this is deep in Tex-Mex country), Breakfast on a Bun, and the Whatachick’n, Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich.


5) Running brilliant promotions: the Nickel Coffee Mug, a promo designed to provide .5C coffee for Whataburger customers, as long as it was served in this mug, started in 1983 and instead of running through the year -- the original forecasted plan -- the promo run until 1997.

6) Sponsoring the community: Whataburger Hometown Heroes and multiple volunteer organizations.


7) And always, always, making the burgers fresh to order.

Folks who support a Whataburger (and that spelling is correct, and not to be confused with What-A-Burger, a completely separate organization) in their state will claim – loud & clear – their dedication to the family restaurant.

If you stop by any neighborhood Whataburger, you could see:


A wedding reception:

A few faces etched with ‘maturity’ and covered with a bit of snow on the top.
Living The Bold Life

Guests from around the world – African Children’s Choir

Corpus Christi, Texas still warmly – and hungrily – remembers those Whataburger roots.

The original stand may be only a distant memory, but a created-replica sits
@ 4126 South Staples Street in Corpus Christi if you’d like to stop by a photo opportunity.

But what to eat when you dine at Whataburger?
According to Ranker.com, the TOP 3 items are the Whataburger Patty Melt, French Fries, and the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich. However, there is a load of Whataburger faithful who swear by the Breakfast Taquito.

(2nd ranking list @ Thrillist.com)

Ever stopped off at a Whataburger?

What's your dining favorite?

Is it a MUST-DO to travel to Texas for a Whataburger?
Nope . . . but there are loads of other reasons for visiting the Lone Star State as well.
However, Whataburgers are located in at least 10 states (Southern United States) with roughly 805 locations. Whataburger locations

On a sad note (at least, Texans consider it such) . . . Life changes and sometimes folks are just ready to retire and start a new chapter in their lives. As of June 2019, the founding family sold the Whataburger organization. Family-Owned Whataburger Isn’t Family-Owned Anymore

The blessings of a 'place' that has become a legend is the individual and shared memories. So many, raised in Texas, could recount some specific story from their childhood or teen years that featured Whataburger as center stage.

I can remember my dad golfing early every Saturday morning. Instead of visiting the 19th hole, dad came to the house and collected us kids then off to Whataburger we went for lunch. It was one of the original A-frame buildings with limited seating and always a line. Waiting for the burgers to be ready was expected -- because DUH! made fresh-to-order takes time. Then there was the smell of bubbling French Fries and searing meat. It was enough to make any kiddo bounce in their seat and swing their legs, but it was always worth it. BEST ketchup ever! I don't know why it's better; it simply is. That is a sweet childhood memory -- one that existed because of Whataburger.

My hubby remembers his mom taking him to Whataburger after pee-wee football practice for a large Coke. This is the South, folks, and all carbonated drinks are known as 'Coke' no matter what's in the glass. And please don't leave me a comment about kids drinking soda after physical exercise. This was a loooong time ago, before the invention of super energy drinks and healthy sports liquids. My husband's football coaches gave the team salt-tablets during 2-a-day summer training. Believe me, lots of things were nutritionally different in the 60s & 70s. The point is that he remembers his mom waiting for him in the stands during practice then off to Whataburger where he drank his Coke and she sipped a cup of coffee and he talked a mile-a-minute recounting every play and tackle all under the orange & white striped awnings. It's a good memory, and life should be filled with those.

Do you have any Whataburger memories to share?
Feel free to leave them in the comment section.
All will be appreciated.

Do drop by my porch again.
I'll be watching the lightning bugs with a glass of sweet tea and ready to take on another Texas Travel.

Other Texas Travels:

Giddy-Up to Galveston

Best Texas Barbecue - Sonny Bryan's

And be Summer Smart in the HEAT! 6 Smart Strategies for Surviving Summer Heat

Giddy-Up to Galveston, TX

While Texas beaches may not often be mentioned in the top 5 beachfront areas across the nation, or boast the pounding Atlantic or even gentle lap of Pacific waves against our Gulf coast, Texans have long found a visit to Texas beaches well worth the trip.

Galveston, is a mere thirty-six miles south of Houston (well, Pasadena, which is South Houston). Houston Hobby is the closer airport if you’re planning on flying to the area. A taxi ride (Uber & Lyft would probably be comparable) is $75.00 to $100 one-way. For those on a budget: Galveston Island Transit operates a connecting bus service around the island and between Houston & Galveston.

Side-note: if you’re planning a cruise from Galveston (now, the second busiest cruise post in the nation), there are loads of ways from getting between Bush Intercontinental (IAH) or Houston Hobby (HOU) and the port. For more information, go to: 6 Easy Houston to Galveston Cruise Transport Options.

Also, if you need to stay overnight prior to your cruise, or after returning to port, check out this article on where to stay on Best Galveston Cruise Port Hotels.

However, if Galveston is your destination, what is there to do?

Let’s take a look.


If you have a group – family of varying ages – consider your budget:

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center


From restaurants that serve Texas shaped waffles to the Palm Beach Waterpark (now, open daily until August 18, 2018)

TO Colonel Paddlewheel Boat

TO the Zip-line course

OR an evening spent on the beach with Bands on the Sand . . . Moody Gardens has a great deal for families of all ages.

If your hotel destination requires easy walking distance to most area attractions & right on the beach, consider Hotel Galvez (A bit more economically priced than Moody Gardens, but still loads of luxury and onsite things to entertain.

Consider:

The Commodore on the Beach (2-Star) Featuring an outdoor pool with waterfall; all rooms have a Gulf view; some rooms with poolside patios; other rooms with private balconies; WiFi throughout property; USB charging stations.





Best Western Galveston West Beach Hotel (2-Star) On the seawall . . . beaches are within a few steps. High-speed Internet connections available; complimentary continental breakfast; outdoor pool; exercise facility; and inside corridors if that's a requirement.


Beachfront Palms Hotel located on the Seawall, a stone's throw from the beach. Rooms feature WiFI. Price includes BREAKFAST, but only the morning meal. When it's time to fuel again, take a step outside and stroll down The Strand for loads of variety. Pool with seaside deck and free parking.

or The Tremont House (4-star Historical) One of the most historic hotels in Galveston, Texas, featuring three separate dining experiences; rooms equipped with Wi-Fi, HDTV, Wolfgang Puck coffee, bathrobes; rooftop (beachfront) bar experiences, and more. Oh, and there's valet parking for your convenience as well.

Now that you know how to hit Galveston city limits, and you’ve options on where to stay in Galveston . . . what are you going to do?????



Want to see a dolphin swim beside the boat? Check out BayWatch Dolphin Tours




Are sweets your idea of afternoon joy? Then plan a visit to: La King’s Confectionery (Demonstration schedules change. Make certain to consult website.)

For a true ole-fashioned dining experience, visit: The Star Drug Store

And what trip to a coast could be complete without a lighthouse or sailing ship thrown into the visit?
Point Bolivar Lighthouse (you’ll take a ferry for this one.)


1877 Tall Ship Elissa

And if you’re interested in more lighthouses and additional Galveston history, check out: Galveston History

No matter how you fill your days and nights . . . make certain to leave time to stroll the beaches.

From my Pinterest saves, I linked several great blogs to help you navigate Texas beaches.

Here’s one family's account of a Great Seashell Beach in Galveston
And another for a Day at the Beach
And finally, The Best Galveston Beaches

Special thanks to these travel bloggers who offered thoughtful information and details to aid in Galveston travels. Be sure to visit each of these bloggers for more great travel sites.

Summer Time Fun in Fort Worth -- 5 TEXAS bars Worth The Stop!

Travelling to Texas this summer?

Then stroll in for a cool (TALL) drink at any of these bars.

The heat may bake Texas asphalt, but the sippin' is easy when you know where to belly up to the bar.

Much is touted about the large tourists’ bars and Historic stockyard bars in Fort Worth, Texas. Certainly, if you’ve never strolled down old brick streets, smelled lingering scents of longhorn cattle, meandered among tall cowboy hats and towering Texas hair, you need to visit the Historic edge of Fort Worth.

However, there is a great deal more to Fort Worth – not the cosmopolitan feel of Dallas, not the Jazz beat of Denton, or even the rolling hills, eclectic sense of Austin – no, Fort Worth is sleek, high-rise towers, tucked among historic revitalized brick buildings (even a few brick streets as well), stunning city parks, a square with dancing water, and a thriving downtown area -- simply put: Fort Worth is more than your average Honky-Tonk.

If you find yourself visiting Cowtown, but not looking for the standard tourist stops, then consider cooling your parched throat at one of these watering holes.

The Library – 611 Houston Street, Fort Worth, Texas. On the perimeter of Sundance Square and along the Molly the Trolley route, this wooden floor, leather-couched bar is open and welcoming. Meshed against towering 20 foot walls, and well above patrons’ heads, are book-lined shelves. There are a few shelves within reaching distance for those who’d like to have a quiet drink and a contemplative read. A small patio area is available and with the surrounding buildings shade can be found in spite of late afternoon sun. The four-sided bar makes easy access for those who want to place their own order or the multiple couches are ready for the weary of strolling. There is a ‘bar’ menu, but we didn’t check out the offerings. Happy hour is an afternoon treat here.

Thompson’s Bookstore – 900 Houston St, Fort Worth, Texas. From the front entrance across hardwood floors, lush sitting areas are staged for the enjoyment of the aficionado of fine cocktails. The ‘house’ rules alone make this a bar stop worth the visit. The bartenders should be termed ‘mixologist’ as the subtle flavors and nuance of cocktails are their specialty. No matter your favorite liquor or brand (bottom shelf to top) this subtlety elegant bar is a lovely respite from Texas heat. Not to worry if you’re strolling in your shorts and t-shirt, casual attire is welcome, but an inside voice is encouraged. If wild and raucous is on your menu, then there are plenty of other Fort Worth bars more to your style. Now, as an update -- your quiet voice works well during the week, but I've been inside these walls on the weekend and it's a hopping & joyful place. A great enticement to visit Thursday through Saturday is the downstairs 'speak-easy'. No fooling, pardner. Buy a drink at the upstairs bar and on the bottom of your receipt will be the 'secret code' to gain access to the tucked-away, downstairs hide-out. It's a cool throw back to the 20s and well worth the price of admission.

Scatz Jazz Lounge – 111 W 4th, Ste 11, Fort Worth, Texas. A little crazy, a little spicy, and a lot of speakeasy edge best describes the Scatz Jazz Lounge. Heed the Google directions as this getaway is tucked down an alley. Descend in the elevator and enter a jazz environment to make your toes tap and hips sway. Cover required on some nights, not on others; so check their schedule. Excellent talent fills their stage – and sometimes marches around the room with a little New Orleans flavor – bartenders know their drinks and the clientele are there to enjoy excellent music.

Whiskey & Rye, 1300 Houston St, Omni Hotel, Fort Worth, Texas. For those who want a bit more cultured environment, stop by the Omni – doesn’t that say it all – and enjoy a cocktail while snuggled in deep leather seats. Prompt wait staff, still with that Texas ‘howdy’ welcome; the occasional entertainer on their small stage; the quiet click of pool balls on the expensive carved tables and valet service right out the front door.

Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar – 621 Houston St. Fort Worth, Texas. For those who want to group-date, celebrate a graduation or upcoming wedded bliss, or just spend several hours rubbing elbows with their fellow humans in a lively musical stop – this is the place. Expect great music – loud at times; happy, hollering folks – also loud at times; and a good evening. Not for the boot-scooting, Stetson-sporting, bronco-belt buckle type, but if you love a rowdy crowd with a backdrop of ivory-tickling, hammer-pounding musicians then visit Pete’s.

Howdy, and Welcome to Fort Worth.

Other great Texas spots to visit!

Travelling Texas BackRoads