Charles Craig, Swensons Senior Vice President Culinary: Most Interesting People 2026
A life in the food industry has led the California native to a small Akron burger joint with big ideas.
by Julia Lombardo | Dec. 22, 2025 | 5:00 AM
PHOTOGRAPHED BY MEGANN GALEHOUSE, LADY LUCK STUDIO
Why He’s Interesting: Since 2024, the senior vice president of culinary at Swensons Drive-In has led collaborations with Cordelia, Black Cap Hot Sauce, Cleveland Kitchen and more. From grilling burgers to curating menus, Charles Craig has maneuvered the restaurant and hospitality industries longer than he’s known how to drive.
From Scratch: The Southern California native has worked in restaurants across the country, and enjoys homemade cooking that honors his many heritages. “I’m very much a mutt: Scottish, Danish, Russian, North African, Latin American, deep Spain, Germany, Sicily.”
Making the Menu: At 92 years, Swensons is the oldest brand Craig has worked for. When crafting the restaurant’s recent limited edition specials, he’s been careful to maintain its rich legacy. “People are fanatical about Swensons. You don’t take something that’s built such a firm, solid base, take a crowbar and start breaking it.”
Blood Brothers: Five months into Craig’s job with Swensons, when he collaborated with Cordelia chef Vinnie Cimino, the pair got matching tattoos to honor the experience. “Every market says they love each other, but one arm’s around your shoulders, and the other one’s holding a knife to your back. This is the one time in my life where there really has been this level of support, camaraderie and celebration.”
Something Fishy: Craig has always loved scuba diving and nearly pursued a career in marine biology. “It didn’t make sense, and I was already making more as a line cook.”
47: The number of times Craig has moved for work or family purposes, living in Texas, Arizona, Idaho, Florida and New York. His move to Akron is his first stint in Ohio.
Meet the rest of the 2026 class of Most Interesting People >>
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Julia Lombardo
Julia Lombardo is the editor of Cleveland Magazine’s home and style section and contributes to coverage of arts, culture and dining. She graduated from The Ohio State University in 2023 with an English degree. As both a journalist and poet, she is inspired by stories with creative flair. When she puts down the pen, she enjoys going to concerts, ranking coffee shops and walking aimlessly through wooded trails.
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