by Colleen Hanke

Bob’s Hamburg is one of the oldest and tiniest restaurants in Akron. There are only about four booths and five bar stools to sit at. Every cliche that goes with a classic sticky table top diner can be found at Bob’s: The hum of a fan, the clatter of kitchen noises, employees talking to the regulars. Not much has changed over the years.



Bob’s has been a landmark in Akron for 88 years. According to a 2019 Akron Beacon Journal article, for the last eight years, Aimee and Dan Buckeye have been the owners. Recently, they decided to put the restaurant up for sale and see if anyone was interested in caring for the beloved business.



Bob’s Hamburg was purchased by Josh Sines, former candidate for mayor of Akron, and Jeremy Caudill, a pro wrestling promoter. The Devil Strip spoke to Josh about his plans for the restaurant.



Colleen Hanke: So, what is your role with the restaurant?

Josh Sines: I handle more of the food and the daily operations of the restaurant. Me and Jeremy, my buddy, bought it. He’s the real estate guy and a promoter and then I handle all the day-to-day stuff.



CH: What’s unique about Bob’s Hamburg?

JS: Bob’s Hamburg is so iconic. The people, the customers, they keep coming in. The burgers are great for sure, the Bob’s sauce, you know, it’s a little bit different than everybody else. It’s really the people that come in here. Most people have been coming here for 40, 50 years. They tell me great stories.



CH: So most of the people are regulars?

JS: A lot of regulars, and there’s people that want to try us because we’re the number one greasy spoon in Ohio or the number one hole in the wall in Ohio, you know, they read about us. Regulars and tourists.



CH: Do you have any plans to change anything about Bob’s Hamburg?

JS: Not really. We just put a fresh coat of paint on everything, moved some of the pictures around, got some stuff framed, cleaned up the yard a bit, working on the kitchen this next week. No real changes. We added sauerkraut balls. We tried to put a jukebox in here, but it wouldn’t fit.



CH: What’s your favorite item on the menu?

JS: Oh, I get the double cheeseburger with everything and an order of onion rings.



CH: Is that what most people get?

JS: Yeah, I’d say most people get a double cheeseburger. A lot of people get the Bonanza burger. That’s an award-winning burger. Barbeque and bacon. It won the hamburger contest one time.



CH: Is there anything on the menu that people don’t often order that they should?

JS: The grilled cheese sandwich. They should be getting the grilled cheese sandwich. It’s unbelievable — it might be the best grilled cheese in Akron.



CH: Why did you decide to buy Bob’s, as opposed to another restaurant?

JS: Well, I didn’t plan on buying Bob’s. It just kind of came to us. But I knew it was a good one. A lot of times you start your own restaurant, or you build one up. You’re trying to get the clients and the customers. Bob’s has it. They have 88 years of people already. Been coming here and eating for 20 or 30 years. Just finally… It was available and it was a good idea. It’s a great place.



Bob’s Hamburg is located at 1351 East Ave, Akron, 44307.

Open Monday – Thursday 7 am – 3:30 pm

Friday 7 am – 8 pm

Saturday 7 am – 3:30 pm

Sunday 7 am – 4 pm



Colleen Hanke is a Media Studies student at The University of Akron.