Bob Evans in Moraine shuts down abruptly

In January, when a private equity firm announced it had purchased Bob Evans Restaurants, the new owners went out of their way to assure its customers that the move would not result in any immediate closures of Bob Evans locations.

In recent days, however, the Bob Evans restaurant at 1901 W. Dorothy Lane in Moraine shut down abruptly. All of the building’s identifying signage has been removed, and a small sign placed on the inside entrance door says simply that the restaurant was closed “effective immediately,” and rather than referring customers to specific nearby Bob Evans restaurants, the sign directs diners to “Please visit www.bobevans.com for additional locations.”

Bob Evans still operates more than 20 restaurants across the Miami Valley, including locations in Centerville, Dayton, Beavercreek, Miamisburg, Xenia, Huber Heights, Springfield, Middletown, Hamilton and Springboro.

After announcing the acquisition of Bob Evans Restaurants by Golden Gate Capital in January, the $565 million transaction was finalized in May. Golden Gate Capital officials said at the time they would retain the Bob Evans leadership team to guide the transition as they took part of the company private. And just three weeks ago, officials announced that Bob Evans Farms, Inc., the food company that remains after the sale of the restaurants, would be sold to Post Holdings Inc. for $1.5 billion.