WEIRTON - Area residents have a new place to go when they want a taste of something from "down on the farm."
The new Bob Evans restaurant opened its doors for business in Weirton this morning, welcoming a small crowd of residents and officials for its first meal at 6 a.m.
"We're excited to be a part of the Weirton community," Steve Govey, area director, said. "It's been a long time coming."
Article Video
General Manager Mark Jaworski cut the ribbon and welcomed the restaurant's first wave of customers.
"We're happy to be a part of the community, and very, very excited to get you guys in there and get you fed," Jaworski said.
The new restaurant, located on Three Springs Drive near the Wal-Mart Supercenter, will have a different look from what customers may be used to from Bob Evans restaurants, according to company officials.
Article Photos
Mark Jaworski, general manager, at left, and Steve Govey, area director, welcome area residents to the new Bob Evans restaurant in Weirton this morning. The restaurant officially opened its doors for business at 6 a.m. today. -- Craig Howell
In addition to a new color scheme and layout, the restaurant also features a new type of bakery display and will have a bigger focus on its carryout option for those who might want to get something on the go.
"This will be the first restaurant of its type in West Virginia," Bob Evans Restaurant Operations Officer Harvey Brownlee said.
The restaurant will seat around 140 customers and also features a community room for private meetings and celebrations.
With the opening of the restaurant, 100 new jobs have been created for the Weirton area.
Brownlee explained the new look is part of a company-wide investment which will see renovations to many of their existing 563 restaurants, as well as the construction of new locations across the country.
"We're investing back into our restaurants," Brownlee said.
Area officials expressed their appreciation to Bob Evans for bringing the restaurant to Weirton, noting the significance of a national chain being willing to invest in the community.
"This is a part of the beginning of the growth of the Three Springs area," Mayor George Kondik said.
Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce President Brenda Mull agreed, saying the 100 jobs will mean a great deal for the residents of Weirton.
"I think it's a great addition to the community," Mull said
Bob Evans Restaurants operates nearly 600 full-service restaurants in 18 states. The company's food products are sold in all 50 states.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)
