I was driving family for their annual Florida winter bird trip, when we decided to stop for a…read morebreak. I loved Bob Evans' meals from when I was a kid, and I had a hankering for breakfast food while making a pit stop.
We initially were greeted by Jay at the front, seated and the team helped with drink orders since we were hectic and couldn't decide on anything before everyone got a chance to "freshen up".
Mary Jo was our server, patient and friendly, took her time with us since she could tell we were not locals. My parents are usually predictable but this place was kind of new to them. I ordered a breakfast omelette with loaded hash browns and pancakes. My elderly parents (both over 80) used the specials menu, it was like going 40 years back in time, when meals were $9.99! mother got the hamburger steak, my father the fish and chips. Both were very happy with the amount of food, along with the sides. Mary Jo brought out biscuits which are my absolute favorite but I specifically didn't get sausage gravy because we still had a long way to drive and I needed to be alert.
Man, just perfect execution on it all. The cooks nailed our humble order, everything coming out piping hot, all timed together, everyone dug in and we almost finished it all. Took a couple biscuits with butter that Mary Jo gave us, and I packed my pancakes without syrup since I'm a Type 2 diabetic. Didn't matter bc the pancakes were so light and fluffy.
As I paid the bill up front, you still are there back in time, seeing candy for sale that hasn't been prominently around for years, NECCO wafers, Giant Tootsie Rolls, Chunky candy bars. Brought back a flood of childhood memories when things were simpler.
Bob Evans is like a beacon, giving you good food when you need it, great service all the way, and Jay who rang me up at the end was very kind- listening to my ramblings about how NECCO used to be in Boston but was bought by Spangler in Ohio. Mary Jo provided my father and I our drinks to go, his an unsweetened tea and me a Coke Zero. Really nice touch since I needed that boost to finish the 500 mile drive.
A blast from the past but exactly what we needed at the moment. The memories I had while there eating were real, and I'm happy we chose to stop here. On the way back you can bet I'm gonna try to stop again!
Thanks to the team for keeping us fed, awake, and caffeinated for our drive.