As Swensons approaches its 100th year, the Akron‑based burger chain is emphasizing its relationship with the local community. CEO Dan Mesches said the company’s longevity stems from community support and a commitment to give back.
Ohio‑born collaborations
Swensons has introduced a series of short‑term menu items created with regional chefs and food producers. Recent offerings include the Big Spicy Boy burger, Loaded Fries and Saucy Nugs, all featuring a hot sauce from Black Cap Hot Sauce in Columbus.
Last summer, Cleveland chef Vinnie Cimino—known for Cordelia and Rosy and a James Beard finalist—worked with Swensons to craft a special Galley Boy version. The burger adds pimento cheese, onions, Swensons’ white sauce and bright green Kool‑Aid pickles.
Earlier this year the chain partnered with Larder Deli in Cleveland to launch an Oatmeal Cream Pie Shake, following a pastrami sandwich collaboration with the same establishment. Most recently, Guardian Cold Brew helped develop a Cold Brew Shake and a Cold Brew Whip, all marketed as “Ohio‑Born Collabs.”
Menu changes and technology upgrades
While Swensons has not opened new locations in the past year, it remains at 25 sites, including spots at Rocket Mortgage Arena and the Columbus Crew’s ScottsMiracle‑Gro Field. In September the chain will replace its mozzarella sticks and standard hot dogs with fried pepper‑jack cheese bites and Nathan’s all‑beef hot dogs, citing a desire for higher quality.
Other tweaks include adding extra bacon to bacon burgers and more cheese to the grilled cheese sandwich—small adjustments Mesches describes as making the company “1 percent better each day.”
Swensons also rolled out a new feature on its mobile app that notifies staff when a customer has parked and is ready for a pickup order, aiming to reduce friction for busy families.
Community outreach
Beyond the menu, Swensons highlighted its support for local causes. The chain celebrated Cleveland’s new WNBA team, the Sirens, and recognized Akron athletes competing in the Winter Olympics. Ongoing partnerships with the LeBron James Family Foundation provide meals for community outings.
During a 2023 concert by The Black Keys at Blossom, the band tossed Swensons burgers to the crowd. That same summer, Swensons distributed 7,000 meals to families who had lost SNAP benefits, a charitable effort the company does not heavily publicize.
“All of these are really us integrating with the community,” Mesches said. “The community is incredibly important to us.”
Recognition
Swensons earned Signal Akron’s top spot in the Best Chain Dining category, as well as awards for best burger, best chain and best food truck last year, underscoring its continued popularity among Akron residents.
Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.
