AKRON, Ohio — As Swensons celebrates its 90th anniversary this year, the iconic Akron-based drive-in burger chain is putting a new twist to their iconic Galley Boy cheeseburger with the introduction of the new Birthday Boy Burger.
But what makes it different? More burger.
Swensons says the Birthday Boy Burger -- which is available from April 29 until June 16 -- is a triple-decker version of their Galley Boy, which is the chain’s staple menu item with two homemade sauces all topped off with a green olive.
Here are other highlights from the Swensons 90th anniversary:
- Birthday Cake milkshake (June 17 – Aug. 11): Confetti cake flavor, sprinkles and whipped cream.
- Commemorative pint glass – (July 1 – While Supplies Last): Available exclusively at the Akron and Canton locations.
- Swensons Homecoming (September): Set for the original Swensons in Akron at 40 South Hawkins Avenue, this event will feature former curb servers, kitchen crew and team members from the last 90 years. Additional details to be announced.
"The Swensons’ journey began in 1934 when Wesley T. 'Pop' Swenson started selling fresh-ground burgers to his Akron neighbors out of the back of his family station wagon," the company explains on their site. "The operation soon moved to a single hamburger stand, where it embraced the classic American drive-in model. 87 years later, the Swensons experience remains largely unchanged."
Swensons has also been a local favorite of Akron native LeBron James.
"I get a double cheeseburger and onion rings," James previously revealed during an interview at the I PROMISE School in Akron back in 2019. "And then I get a banana milkshake with real ice cream. I have a nice little feast."
RELATED: Taco Bell Nacho Fries returning 'for their longest run on national menus ever' with a new twist
Earlier this year, Swensons also announced the return of their original cheese -- a change many food fans had been calling for after the chain swapped their slices.
“Over the past year, we listened to our guests and recognized we simply weren’t delivering what they wanted, and we needed to return to our pre-pandemic standards,” according to CEO Jeff Flowers. “Our hometown community made it clear that part of the magic of Swensons is rooted in the unique flavor combination of our original products, especially our cheese. So, we figured out how to bring it all back! And we can’t wait for everyone to come back and try it again!”