New “Bob Evans Express” Concept Launched

New "Bob Evans Express" Concept Launched

Bob Evans Farms, Inc. today announced a partnership with Warren, Ohio-based foodservice company AVI Foodsystems Inc., to develop and license a new prototype concept Bob Evans Express. The first unit opened at the BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC Spartanburg, South Carolina, manufacturing facility on August 19, where AVI is the foodservice provider.

Bob Evans Express is a non-traditional restaurant concept designed for venues such as workplace cafés, universities, airports, malls, service plazas, hospitals and more.

Bob Evans co-developed the concept with AVI after selecting AVI as their foodservice provider for Bob Evans’ new corporate campus in New Albany, Ohio. The second Bob Evans Express location will be introduced at the campus’ employee café this October.

Each Bob Evans Express will offer a menu of portable Bob Evans delicious, farm- fresh favorites, like Wildfire™ Chicken Salad, sausage gravy and biscuits, slow- roasted turkey and more.

New "Bob Evans Express" Concept Launched

“This new Bob Evans Express concept was a natural evolution of our relationship with AVI after discussing plans for our corporate campus. AVI has significant experience and expertise in non-traditional food venues, making them an ideal partner,” commented Bob Evans Farms Chairman and CEO Steven A. Davis. “We’re pleased that two great Ohio companies are partnering together on this new innovative concept, which is full of possibilities for both companies.”

“We are focused on providing our customers the family difference in hospitality services, making a quality brand such as Bob Evans a perfect fit,” stated Anthony J. Payiavlas, President and CEO of AVI Foodsystems, Inc. “This is a tremendous example of synergy … two Ohio-based companies creating a winning concept that capitalizes on our core strengths.”

This project allows Bob Evans to leverage its brand and explore opportunities in non-traditional locations, and the arrangement will initially provide AVI with exclusivity. The concept’s footprint is a fraction of a traditional Bob Evans restaurant at just 500 square feet, and will be managed and operated by AVI.

Davis continued, “This is the perfect opportunity to focus on the strengths of both companies. We’re looking forward to further developing our partnership.”

New "Bob Evans Express" Concept Launched

Bob Evans Farms, Inc. owns and operates full-service restaurants under the Bob Evans Restaurants brand name. At the end of the first fiscal quarter (July 26, 2013), Bob Evans Restaurants owned and operated 560 family restaurants in 19 states, primarily in the Midwest, mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions of the United States. Bob Evans Farms, Inc., through its BEF Foods segment, is also a leading producer and distributor of refrigerated side dishes, pork sausage and a variety of refrigerated and frozen convenience food items under the Bob Evans and Owens brand names.

AVI Foodsystems has long been a strong, successful, family-owned business.  Founded in 1960 by John Payiavlas, AVI has an industry-leading reputation, providing customized hospitality and foodservice solutions for thousands of clients and millions of customers throughout 34 states. AVI offers hospitality services in business, manufacturing, education, leisure and healthcare settings, including a complete offering of on-site dining, vending, micro markets, catering, concessions, office coffee and environmental services.