Bob Evans is branching out from full-service restaurants with new express locations according to restaurantnews.com.
"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," Bob Evans Farms Chairman and CEO Steven Davis told Restaurant News. "We're pleased that two great Ohio companies are partnering together on this new innovative concept, which is full of possibilities for both companies."
The new restaurant will be located in places such as workplaces, universities, airports, malls, service plazas, and hospitals Restaurant News reported.
"We are focused on providing our customers the family difference in hospitality services, making a quality brand such as Bob Evans a perfect fit," AVI Foodsystems, Inc. President and CEO Anthony Payiavlas told Restaurant News. "This is a tremendous example of synergy ... two Ohio-based companies creating a winning concept that capitalizes on our core strengths. Davis continued, "This is the perfect opportunity to focus on the strengths of both companies. We're looking forward to further developing our partnership."
The restaurant chain has already opened up its first version of the new portable dining option at BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg, S.C. Restaurant News reported. Food is being provided by Warren, Ohio's AVI Foodsystems, which Bob Evans has joined forces with to make the new digs a reality.
The next express location is slated to go in AVI's campus' employee cafe in New Albany, Ohio in October Restaurant News reported. Bob Evans has 560 full-service family restaurants in 19 states in the Midwest, mid-Atlantic, and the southeast Restaurant News reported.
