Food unit again tops restaurant division
EARNINGS
It’s mashed potatoes over pancakes, and it isn’t even close.
Bob Evans Farms’ prepared-foods division, which makes refrigerated side dishes for sale at grocery stores, far outperformed the company’s more than 500 restaurants in the fiscal third quarter that ended Jan. 27, an earnings report showed Wednesday.
The food division earned $9.8 million on sales of $112 million. The restaurants had sales of $223 million but lost $1.6 million.
It’s a vivid reminder of why Bob Evans chose to sell its restaurants to a privateequity firm — a deal that is expected to close in April — and move forward as a packaged-foods company.
“The new Bob Evans Farms will be a growth company,” said Michael Townsley,
The award is part of the group’s annual Airport Service Quality award program, recognizing airports with high customer satisfaction. Indianapolis International, Jacksonville (Florida) International and Toronto’s Billy Bishop airport tied for first place overall in North America for 2016.
The John Glenn airport renovations are, in part, responsible for another award headed its way.
Next week, airport officials are scheduled to be presented a 2016 Expy award from convention and visitors bureau Experience Columbus. That recognition for contributions to Columbus’ tourism industry was announced early this year.
Of the Airports Council program, Elaine Roberts, CEO of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, said those surveyed responded well to the airport’s “modernized, contemporary terminal ... (with) amenities such as free high-speed wi-fi, more than 2,000 charging outlets, new comfortable and colorful furniture (and) local dining options.”
The airport hasn’t always been held in such high esteem.
John Glenn Columbus has been ranked slightly lower than average in the J.D. Power North American Airport Satisfaction Survey. Released late last year, the most recent J.D. Power survey was taken primarily in the period before terminal renovations at the airport were complete.
Improvement projects at John Glenn airport continue. Work is underway to improve the curb-front entrance with new glass doors and lighting; update customer-service kiosks; and expand Concourse C’s security checkpoint to accommodate a growing number of passengers.