Bob Evans History

History of Bob Evans Restaurants

Starting from humble beginnings as a 12-stool diner in Ohio, Bob Evans took a beloved sausage recipe and grew it into beloved midwestern restaurant spanning 18 states.

1838

The Evans family arrives in Ohio.

May 30 ,1918

Robert (Bob) Evans is born.

June 1944

Bob & Jewell get married and settle down in Gallia County, Ohio.

1946

Bob & Jewell open "The Steak House," a 12-stool diner in Gallipolis.

1948

Bob Evans begins delivery of signature recipe sausage.

1953

Bob Evans Farms is founded, leading to the expansion of the family's sausage business.

1956

Commercial campaign launched with catchy "Down on the Farm®" jingle.

1962

Opens the Sausage Shop in Gallipolis, starting what would become Bob Evans Restaurants.

1968

Second Bob Evans Restaurant location opens in Gallipolis, OH.

1971

1st Annual Bob Evans Farm Festival held at The Farm in Rio Grande, OH.

1986

Bob Evans retires and continues to be a key figure and influence on his namesake restaurants.

June 21, 2007

Bob Evans passes away, but his legacy remains a strong influence within every restaurant.

October 2012

Bob Evans entered into the 4H Hall of Fame.

2019

Bob Evans becomes the home of America's Farm Fresh.