Bob Evans Express is a restaurant concept developed for non-traditional establishments such as employee cafes, universities, airports, malls, service plazas and hospitals among other venues. Each Bob Evans Express will offer a menu of portable Bob Evans products, such as Wildfire Chicken Salad, sausage gravy and biscuits, slow-roasted turkey and other items. The first location opened at the manufacturing facility of BMW Manufacturing Co. in Spartanburg, SC on Aug. 19. AVI is the foodservice provider. A second location will be at the new Bob Evans corporate campus in New Albany, Ohio.
“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,” said Steven A. Davis, Bob Evans Farms chairman and CEO. “We’re pleased that two great Ohio companies are partnering together on this new innovative concept, which is full of possibilities for both companies.”
Bob Evans co-developed the concept with AVI after selecting AVI as their foodservice provider for the company’s New Albany campus. The arrangement initially will be exclusive to AVI. Bob Evans Express locations will cover just 500 square feet, and AVI will operate and manage the stores.
“We are focused on providing our customers the family difference in hospitality services, making a quality brand such as Bob Evans a perfect fit,” said Anthony J. Payiavlas, president and CEO of AVI Foodsystems. “This is a tremendous example of synergy ... two Ohio-based companies creating a winning concept that capitalizes on our core strengths.”
