There’s a certain magic in rolling up to a spot where history and homestyle cooking collide. That’s the real “ride to eat” jackpot. This time, our handlebars pointed toward Rio Grande, Ohio—ground zero for Bob Evans sausage, biscuits, and gravy. If you’ve ever wondered where the legend began, this is it, the original Bob Evans Farm, serving up comfort since 1962.
Location: State Route 588, Rio Grande, Ohio
Rolling into the farm, you know right away this isn’t your average pit stop. The Evans Homestead still stands tall—a throwback to the days of stagecoaches and home-cooked meals. Bob Evans himself lived here with Jewell and their six kids, and you can almost picture the family waving from the porch as you rumble past.
It was in this front yard that Evans opened The Sausage Shop, serving up the farm-fresh sausage that truckers and travelers couldn’t get enough of. That roadside stop became the foundation for what would grow into a nationwide chain.
There’s even a Bob Evans Restaurant museum and homestead tours—though thanks to post-covid changes, you’ll have to time your visit with the annual Bob Evans Farm Festival if you want the full experience. Otherwise, you’ll just have to settle for a plate of biscuits and a peek at history from the parking.
The Food:
We’ve hit plenty of Bob Evans joints on our travels, and this one’s no different when it comes to the grub—good food, fair prices, and décor that says “classic Bob Evans” rather than “Instagram influencer.” But let’s be honest, you’re here for the story as much as the sausage.
Overall Thoughts: A nice visit to where it all began.
For a rider, the trip is worth it not just for the food but for the connection to history. Sitting down to a plate of biscuits and gravy at the farm feels different than ordering the same meal at a Bob Evans off the interstate. Here, you’re eating where it all began, where the sausage was first made, and where the idea of farm-to-table wasn’t a marketing slogan—it was just daily life.
The ride in? Pure Ohio—rolling hills, winding roads, and enough scenery to make you forget about your GPS. By the time you roll into Rio Grande, you’ll be ready for breakfast that sticks to your ribs. That first bite isn’t just food, it’s a taste of tradition.
So, if you’re looking for a ride that combines history, heritage, and homestyle cooking, point your bike toward Rio Grande. The Bob Evans Farm isn’t just the first restaurant—it’s the heart of a story that grew from one man’s farm into a national tradition. And like any good ride to eat, it leaves you full in more ways than one.
I JUST WANT 2 RIDE!! 