AVI Partners With Bob Evans on Express Units

AVI Foodsystems, Inc., has launched a partnership with Bob Evans Farms, Inc., to develop and license a new prototype concept, Bob Evans Express. The first unit opened at the BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC, manufacturing facility in Spartanburg, SC, on August 19, where AVI is the foodservice provider.
Bob Evans Express has been designed specifically for onsite venues such business/industry sites, colleges, hospitals, airports, malls and service plazas.
Bob Evans co-developed the concept with AVI after selecting
the company as its foodservice provider for its new corporate campus in New Albany, OH. The second Bob Evans Express location will be introduced at this site’s employee café in October.
Each Bob Evans Express offers a menu of select Bob Evans favorites such as Wildfire Chicken Salad, sausage gravy and biscuits and slow-roasted turkey in portable form.
“This new Bob Evans Express concept was a natural evolution of our relationship with AVI after discussing plans for our corporate campus,” says Bob Evans Farms Chairman/CEO Steven Davis. “AVI has significant experience and expertise in non-traditional food venues, making them an ideal partner. 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,” offers AVI President/CEO Anthony Payiavlas. “This is a tremendous example of synergy ... two Ohio-based companies creating a winning concept that capitalizes on our core strengths.”
The initiative allows Bob Evans to leverage its brand and explore opportunities in “non-traditional locations, with a concept footprint of just 500 sq.ft., which is a fraction of the size of one of the chain’s traditional restaurants. The arrangement initially provides exclusivity for AVI, which will manage and operate the units.