Bob Evans to ‘refresh’ sites

$6 million makeover  project set for 28 area restaurants.

Pictured is a Bob Evans restaurant in the Greater Columbus area following a Farm-Fresh Refresh makeover. Locations in the Greater Cincinnati area, including Butler and Warren counties, are set to undergo the same treatment. Contributed photo

ENLARGE PHOTO

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By Eric Schwartzberg, Staff Writer Updated 1:48 PM Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Bob Evans Farms is putting a fresh face on 28 of its restaurants in the Cincinnati market via a $6 million renovation project.

Locations in Butler, Hamilton and Warren counties will close for a week to allow for a “Farm-Fresh Refresh” makeover. Those locations include Deerfield Twp., Fairfield, Fairfield Twp., Hamilton, Lebanon, Middletown and West Chester Twp.

The Cincinnati renovations started in Hamilton County during the second week of January and are scheduled to be completed by the end of April.

The new design features more modern furnishings, light fixtures and brighter color schemes in the dining room’s carpet and walls, as well as entry-way murals depicting the heritage of Bob Evans and its Rio Grande farm, according to spokeswoman Margaret Standing.

“It updates the restaurant and basically gives it an entirely new look and feel,” she said.

Each location will get a Taste of The Farm Bakery, allowing guests to shop for an array of fresh baked goods.

“The idea is if you are having breakfast and then running to a PTA meeting or something like that, you can take a box of baked goods with you,” Standing said.

A dedicated carry-out area will help expedite to-go orders.

“We’re changing with the times and focusing on a lot of carry-out catering, as well,” said Carey Higgins, manager of the Bob Evans on Main Street in Hamilton. “A lot of families are so busy, they don’t have time to come in and dine-in. We’re getting more and more family meals to go and we’re catering to make it more efficient.”

Every guest on grand opening day receives a scratch-off card that has prizes such as free bakery items and Bob Evans gift cards. Grand opening guests also receive “Sweet Treat Club” cards, allowing a free cookie with every Kids’ Meal purchase.

“That’s a fun deal because on our Tuesday Family Nights, kids eat free, and the Sweet Treat Club card also gets them a free cookie,” Standing said.

Bob Evans’ schedule

9223 Schulze Road, West Chester Twp.: Closes Feb. 5; reopens Feb. 12.
1461 Main St., Hamilton: Closes Feb. 12; reopens Feb. 19.
99 Stubbs Mill Road, Lebanon: Closes Feb. 19; reopens Feb. 26.
3260 Village Drive, Middletown: Closes March 11; reopens March 18
510 Kolb Drive, Fairfield: Closes March 11: reopens March 18.
3524 Indian Meadows Drive, Fairfield Twp.: Closes March 25; reopens April 1.
7781 Dudley Road, West Chester Twp.: Closes March 25; reopens April 7.
5076 College Corner Pike, Oxford: Closes April 1; reopens April 8.
4646 Dixie Highway, Fairfield: Closes April 15, reopens April 22.
8100 Arbor Square Drive, Deerfield Twp: Closes April 15; reopens April 22.