Bob Evans Farms offers fiscal 2009 guidance

The company forecast income between $2 and $2.10 per share. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial, on average, estimate full-year earnings of $2.02 per share.

Bob Evans also forecast net sales growth between 3.5 percent and 4.5 percent, implying revenue between $1.8 billion and $1.82 billion. Analysts, on average, predict sales of $1.81 billion.

The company predicted same-store sales at its Bob Evans restaurants will increase between 1.5 percent and 2 percent. The company expects sales from its food products business to grow between 5 percent and 7 percent.

Bob Evans said challenging economic conditions and rising restaurant development costs, among other issues, could hamper future development plans for its Mimi's Cafe chain.

During fiscal 2009, the company said it plans to refinance $100 million of its debt with fixed-rate debt.

Shares rose 85 cents, or 3 percent, to close at $29.09. Shares advanced in after-hours trading, gaining 61 cents to $29.70.