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Our Story

Wesley T. “Pop” Swenson

founded Swensons in 1934 and it has grown into an iconic drive-in business.

Swensons is home of the legendary Galley Boy®, a double cheeseburg layered with 2 Swensons signature sauces on a toasted bun, garnished with a green olive pick. Our extensive menu also features classic burgs, sandwiches, crispy favorites like the famous Potato Teezers®, specialty sips like the California, Florida and Ohio, plus endless combinations of milkshake flavors and Swensons Whips.

When you arrive, simply turn on your headlights for service, and a friendly curb server will sprint to your car. From there, they’ll deliver fresh, made-to-order, high-quality food – and go above and beyond to make your visit fun, memorable and uniquely Swensons.

employee taking order

1934

A year after “Pop” had sold hamburgers out of his station wagon at Buchtel High School, Wesley T. “Pop” Swenson opens the first Swensons Stand in 1934.

1940

historic photo of swensons restaurant

Gaining in popularity, Swensons is drawing a big crowd for its delicious hamburgs!

1952

North Akron store

Swensons is growing! The second location opens in North Akron.

1980’s

New swensons logo

Swensons launches its refreshed logo and brand identity!

1987

swensons stow kent

Swensons continues to grow with a new Stand in Stow!

1990’s

swensons logo redesign

Time for a fresh look. Our new identity is a spin on our 1950’s logo.

1995

swensons montrose

Swensons is on the move opening another Stand in Montrose.

2001

first Cleveland location

Hello, Cleveland! Swensons opens its first Cleveland location in Seven Hills.

2005

North Akron store rebuilt

Our West Akron Stand gets a facelift in 2005!

2013

first swensons food truck

Swensons hits the road with the launch of our first Food Truck!

2017

university heights store

We’re growing in Cleveland! Swensons opens its University Heights location.

2018

Hey there, Columbus! Swensons opens its first Central Ohio location in Dublin.

2024

90 reunion restaurant sign

Happy Birthday to us! We’re celebrating 90 years with our Swenatics!

More milestones coming soon!

swensons logo redesign
DRAG TO SEE OUR STORY

The burg that started it all. Our signature Galley Boy.

A double cheeseburger featuring 2 Swensons signature sauces on a toasted bun and garnished with a green olive pick.

CHECK IT OUT
Galley Boy
  • Swenatics Said

    I am originally from Stow, OH, my husband is from Indianapolis and we currently live in Dayton, OH. On July 18, 2009, my husband and I were married in Akron and treated our bridal party to experience your delicious Galley Boys and milkshakes. Our favorite milkshake is banana and hot fudge, which tastes just like a banana split. Everyone enjoyed the food and milkshakes (even the limo driver) and half the bridal party went back the next day before driving back home!

    Erica & Dave Perkins Dayton, OH
    married couple with burgers
  • Swenatics Said

    The memories will last forever, especially the cold, winter evening trips to Swensons with my dad in North and West Akron during the late 80’s to early 90’s. we would make it a tradition to stop for three or four hamburgers, famous o-rings, and of course a large California before heading to a local high school basketball game. I hope to continue the tradition and one day take my children on a special trip to Swensons Drive-in.

    Brian San Diego
    man with dog at swensons food truck
  • Swenatics Said

    I was a Swensons curb boy in the summer of 1953 before I went away to college. As I went up to a car window to take an order, I looked in and in the center seat was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. I knew the girl sitting to her right, so I passed her a note asking her name. I was given her name and phone number, so I called her and made a date. We dated all summer long before I left for the University of Oklahoma in late August. We saw each other many times over the next 4 years, but never dated seriously due to the distance problem. I always wondered where she went, and one day recently I was able to contact her and we reacquainted after 51 years, and we married on April 18, 2010.

    Paul Battenberg Cleveland
    man and dog in car
  • Swenatics Said

    I moved here from NYC/Jersey a few years ago and I love Swenson’s! We have our share of burgers in that part of the country but your cheeseburgers, fries, everything on your menu is delicious and the prices, soo cheap! I try and watch my weight but on the weekend, you will find me at Swenson’s. When my friends come into town from Jersey/NYC on Memorial Day weekend, this is where we are going first. They are going to be thrilled. Before I moved to your area, I went to college in New Wilmington PA and we would drive about 2 hours for just Swenson’s and I have been addicted since. You’re tempting me now, maybe I will have to stop for dinner.

    Local Swenatic
    couple sharing social media
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