Akron, Ohio – October 06, 2026 -- Swensons Drive-In has reversed a recent change to its burgers, restoring the original locally baked buns, hand-buttering method, and classic vertical toasters across all of its Ohio locations.
Guests rejected a recent bun and toaster test
The Akron-based chain, known for its sprinting Curb Servers, had tested new buns and toasters before reverting the change. CEO Jeff Flowers said the Swensons community made clear the update "was not their favorite," prompting the company to bring back the toasted, flaky bun that anchors burgers like the Galley Boy, Double Cheeseburger, and Fried Bologna.
Fresh buns now arrive from Akron multiple times a week
Swensons confirmed the restored buns are delivered fresh from Akron several times weekly and prepared using the chain's original buttering process and vertical toasters, the same setup used throughout much of its 92-year history.
The chain is scaling back monthly menu specials
Guests also told Swensons they want more focus on original menu items rather than an expanding list of limited-time collaborations. In response, the company is dialing back its monthly specials while keeping select seasonal favorites, including the fall Pumpkin Pie Shake.
Swensons still relies on fresh-cut ingredients and curb-side service
The drive-in continues to use fresh, never-frozen beef, hand-sliced cheese, and on-site chopped produce, along with precise topping placement, such as a signature pimento-stuffed green olive on the Galley Boy. Unlike traditional drive-throughs, Swensons' Curb Servers sprint to cars and deliver food on window-side trays rather than through speakers or drive-through windows.