AKRON, Ohio (WJW) — The original Swensons in Akron is temporarily closed after a car crashed through the building early Sunday morning.
The popular burger joint’s Facebook page shared pictures of the damage left behind to their West Akron location on South Hawkins Avenue and said, fortunately, there were no major injuries to any of their team members.
“The vehicle was literally inside of the building. So, it went straight into the back of our grill, into the fryers. So, we have a lot of wall damage, a lot of equipment damage. So, it’s going to take us a couple of weeks to get the building put back together,” said Jeff Flowers, president of Swenson’s Drive-Ins.
Nolan Cooper, the store’s GM, had the final order of the night in his hand when the car careened into the buiding.
“Jarring. It was very jarring. I know I made a very loud noise when it happened. I was very surprised,” said Cooper.
According to police, the crash happened at about 1:30 a.m. on Sunday when a vehicle traveling southbound on S. Hawkins Avenue at a “high rate of speed” went off the road. Police said the vehicle hit a curb, traveled through the parking lot, and then struck the building.
“It was a really tough scene, but most importantly none of our team members, none of our guests were injured,” said Flowers.
Swensons said on Facebook that until the building can reopen, their food truck will be on-site starting Monday and available for service from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily.
“So we can serve our guests, especially during this holiday season week for those out-of-towners that need to come and get their fix of Swensons while they’re in town,” said Flowers.
Police said the driver was a 30-year-old female. There have been no confirmed details on her condition or if she will face charges.
There’s also no word yet on how much it will cost for repairs to the building.
