MOUNT VERNON — With milder weather in the forecast, work will begin again on the new Bob Evans restaurant on Coshocton Avenue. The new establishment will replace the 16-year-old building in the Plaza Shopping Center.
The new facility will have a larger floor space, 5,200 square feet compared to 3,500 square feet in the old building. This will allow seating for an additional 30 guests. But it will be more than just a larger restaurant, according to Bob Evans spokeswoman Chelsea Hamilton. It will be a prototype for a new, homestyle restaurant the Bob Evans organization wants to open.
The first of the new prototype restaurants opened in Xenia last August, according to Hamilton. She said there will be some adjustments to the Mount Vernon Bob Evans based on what was learned from the Xenia experience.
“The design team drew inspiration from the actual homestead of Bob Evans Farm. It will include a warmer color pallet with darker white trim, and more photography featuring the farm, Bob Evans himself and the Bob Evans brand. So there will be a lot more of the heritage built into the restaurant,” said Hamilton.
Along with this homier atmosphere, the new restaurant will have some decidedly modern touches, Hamilton said, including a flat screen television and Wi-Fi with power hookups throughout the dinning room.
“People will be able to stay connected throughout their day,” she said.
Plans call for the new facility to open in several months, according to Hamilton.
“Work is now progressing,” she said. “We are looking for a late summer opening.”
The company has no immediate plans for the old restaurant building. Hamilton said selling it is not being considered at this time.
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