<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AND STATEMENTS OF INCOME OF BOB
EVANS FARMS, INC. AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FORM
10-Q FOR THE PERIOD ENDED OCTOBER 27, 2000.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<CURRENCY> US DOLLARS
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> APR-27-2001
<PERIOD-START> APR-29-2000
<PERIOD-END> OCT-27-2000
<EXCHANGE-RATE> 1
<CASH> 5,000
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 15,295
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 16,823
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 46,915
<PP&E> 866,640
<DEPRECIATION> 290,876
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 654,510
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 194,843
<BONDS> 0
0
60
<COMMON> 426
<OTHER-SE> 438,647
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 654,510
<SALES> 516,917
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 516,917
<CGS> 148,661
<TOTAL-COSTS> 416,692
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 2,426
<INCOME-PRETAX> 42,552
<INCOME-TAX> 15,106
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 27,446
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 27,446
<EPS-BASIC> .78
<EPS-DILUTED> .78
</TABLE>