020903 Bob Evans Announces August Same-Store Sales

Columbus, OH - Bob Evans Farms, Inc. announced that same-store sales in "core" restaurants (431 stores which were open for the full 12 months in both fiscal years 2001 and 2002) for the fiscal 2003 month of August (the four weeks ended Aug. 23) decreased 1.7% from the comparable period a year ago. Menu prices for the month were up approximately 2.7%.

"We are concerned about the negative trend for same-store sales," said Stewart K. Owens, chairman of the board and chief executive officer.

"At the same time, low hog costs on the food products side of our business are favorably impacting profitability in that segment," said Owens. "We see that continuing, so we remain positive about our previous guidance of approximately $0.55 per share for the second fiscal quarter and approximately $2.00 per share for fiscal 2003."

Bob Evans Farms Inc. owns and operates 497 full-service, family restaurants in 22 states. Bob Evans Restaurants are primarily located in the Midwest, mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions of the United States, while Owens Restaurants operate in Texas. The company is also a leading producer and distributor of pork sausage and other convenience food items under the Bob Evans and Owens brand names, which are available in 30 states.

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