Swensons Brings Back Original Buns After Guest Backlash
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.