COLUMBUS, Ohio – A $3 million-plus project to restore and renovate Bob Evans Farms Inc.-owned farm and historic first restaurant in Rio Grande, Ohio, is in the works. Phase one of the renovation project starts in March.

Thousands of people visit the farm each fall to celebrate the Bob Evans Farm Festival, where entertainment, arts and crafts, farm contests, food, children’s activities and demonstrations are featured. The farm also offers year-round attractions, such as hiking, camping, horseback riding, and a museum dedicated to the history of the brand among other things.

The first phase of the Farm renovation project will include:

• Renovating an existing barn to a flexible space that can host receptions, meetings and other events – with the option of Bob Evans catering.
  
• An enhanced entry to the Homestead museum featuring organic gardens and other beautification elements.
• A new music amphitheatre.
  
• The historic Adamsville log-cabin village will be relocated closer to the Homestead so more visitors will be able to enjoy them.
  
• The Farm Festival field will be graded and improved to prevent flooding and improve accessibility.

Also located on the property, the first Bob Evans restaurant is also scheduled for a remodel in 2011. The Farm renovation project is expected to be completed in late summer, before the 41st annual Bob Evans Farms Festival takes place from Oct. 14-16.