Exhibit 23(a)


         Consent of Ernst & Young, Independent Auditors



          We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement (Form S-8) and the related Prospectus pertaining to the registration
of 1,000,000 shares of common stock pursuant to the Bob Evans Farms, Inc. 1994
Long Term Incentive Plan of our report dated May 27, 1994, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements see change per attached of Bob Evans Farms,
Inc. incorporated by reference in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended April 29, 1994, and the related financial statement schedules included
herein, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



                              ERNST & YOUNG LLP



Columbus, Ohio
August 24, 1994

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