Bob Evans^® Kicks Off National Potato Day with Mad About Mashed™ Campaign

Launches new Mad About Mashtini™ recipe collection to thank consumers for making Bob Evans Original Mashed Potatoes #1

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Aug. 17, 2012) /PRNewswire/ — In honor of National Potato Day, Aug. 19, and in celebration of having the #1 selling refrigerated mashed potatoes in America¹, Bob Evans Food Products is kicking off its newest campaign – Mad About Mashed – to thank their valued customers in a smashingly creative way.

The prime focus of the new campaign is a signature, gourmet recipe collection – the Mad About Mashtini Recipe Collection – made with Bob Evans signature refrigerated mashed potatoes and garnished with tantalizing ingredients like parmesan crisps, Boursin cheese and basil pesto. The collection, created by Bob Evans Culinary Team, gives entrée-appeal to a staple side dish, and includes six new recipes, including the Sweet Tater Twist Mashtini™, Classy Carbonara Mashtini™, Mad-iterranean Mashtini™, Fiesta-tini™, Clubhouse Mashtini™ and Smoky Spud BBQ Mashtini™.

“This new recipe collection is unlike anything our consumers have ever seen come out of the test kitchens at Bob Evans,” said Executive Development Chef David Eisel.  “Not only is the collection made with our delicious mashed potatoes and sausage that offers a premium, farm-fresh taste, it’s a fun and creative way to explore different flavors.  With our new collection, we encourage consumers to explore their inner chef by experimenting with different toppings and flavors until they find their own signature mashtini.”

The Mad About Mashtini Recipe Collection offers consumers endless possibilities, both savory and sweet. For potato lovers looking for a recipe to kick up the heat, the Fiesta-tini made with Bob Evans Zesty Hot Roll Sausage adds just enough spice; while the Sweet Tater Twist Mashtini layered with Bob Evans original and sweet mashed potatoes topped with marshmallows, maple syrup and honey roasted pecans is the perfect choice for holiday entertaining or a unique dessert.

“The Mad About Mashed campaign and corresponding signature recipe collection is our way of thanking our valued customers for making us #1," said Mike Townsley, President of Bob Evans Foods. “At Bob Evans, we’re fortunate to have a great team in place to help us make products that consumers love, so we asked them to create an exciting, on-trend recipe collection for folks to have fun with at mealtime and beyond. Whether they are looking for a new twist on an everyday side dish, idea for holiday entertaining or a great party theme for any occasion throughout the year, Bob Evans Mad About Mashtini Recipe Collection offers something for everyone.”

Bob Evans Refrigerated Mashed Potatoes are made with real butter, fresh milk, and by a secret process that ensures the home-style lumps remain in the product, so they pair perfectly with the ingredients found in each recipe. Plus, prep-time is minimal.  They can be microwaved in 5 minutes or less, allowing home cooks to focus on preparing an array of delicious toppings.

Bob Evans also created the ultimate resource online, where consumers can discover all this new campaign has to offer at mashed.bobevans.com. The site allows consumers to download, print or share the recipes, watch cooking demonstrations featuring Chef Eisel, and provides tips on how to host their own mashtini party. It also features a video from a premier tasting event and fun facts in the form of an infographic in honor of National Potato Day.

To learn more about Bob Evans Food Products, visit www.bobevans.com/grocery.

About Bob Evans Farms, Inc.
Bob Evans Farms, Inc. owns and operates full-service restaurants under the Bob Evans and Mimi’s Café brand names. At the end of the first fiscal quarter (July 27, 2012), Bob Evans owned and operated 565 family restaurants in 19 states, primarily in the Midwest, mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions of the United States, while Mimi’s Café owned and operated 145 casual restaurants located in 24 states, primarily in California and other western states. Bob Evans Farms, Inc. is also a leading producer and distributor of pork sausage and a variety of complementary convenience food items under the Bob Evans and Owens brand names. For more information about Bob Evans Farms, Inc., visit www.bobevans.com.

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¹Source: IRI Sales Scan Data Total U.S. 52 weeks ending June 24, 2012.