Bob Evans Farms Inc. announced that, following a comprehensive unit-level performance review of the Company's restaurant portfolio, it is closing 27 Bob Evans Restaurants. Twenty-one of the restaurants are owned and six are leased locations. The owned locations closed April 23 and 24, 2016, and the remaining leased locations are expected to close during fiscal year 2017.

President and Chief Executive Officer Saed Mohseni said, "Decisions to close restaurant locations are always difficult.  Performance at each of these locations, despite the loyalty of valued guests and the efforts of our dedicated employees, was not meeting expectations. Employees impacted by closures have been offered positions in nearby restaurants where possible. In cases where relocation is not possible, severance benefits will be offered to full-time and part-time employees."

The company expects proceeds of approximately $20 million from sale of the owned properties. Although restaurants subject to closure generated $30 million of annual revenue, this action is expected to improve annual operating income by approximately $1 million.

Source: Bob Evans Farms