Though it certainly wasn’t a stellar performer, FOX renewed Bob’s Burgers for a second season last April. The network execs initially ordered another 13 episodes but now they’ve bumped that order up to 22 installments.

Last season, Bob’s Burgers averaged a mediocre 2.3 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 4.9 million total viewers. It performed just a bit better than American Dad, the network’s lowest-performing animated series.

Bob’s Burgers was expected to return sometime during mid-season but now it appears that FOX has settled on Spring 2012.

Here’s the press release from FOX:

HOT FROM FOX…
FOX BEEFS UP “BOB’S BURGERS” WITH NINE ADDITIONAL EPISODES

All-New Episodes Return This Spring on FOX

FOX’s Animation Domination plate just got meatier with the order of an additional nine new episodes of breakout animated comedy BOB’S BURGERS, it was announced today by Kevin Reilly, President of Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company.

“Last season, BOB’S BURGERS infused our Sunday lineup with a fresh new voice that was fully embraced by our ANIMATION DOMINATION fans,” said Reilly. “Loren Bouchard, Jim Dauterive and the team have done an amazing job with the show, and we’ve got one of the most talented and hilarious voice casts in the business, so we look forward to seeing what they cook up for the next nine episodes.”

Set to premiere in midseason, BOB (the voice of H. Jon Benjamin) and the family test-drive the food truck industry, dive into the world of synchronized swimming, search for treasure in an abandoned taffy factory and get tied up with a very needy bank robber. Guest voices include Kevin Kline as Bob’s eccentric landlord MR. FISCHOEDER; Sarah and Laura Silverman as Jimmy Pesto’s inseparable twin sons OLLIE and ANDY; and Megan Mullally as TABITHA JOHNSON, a passionate singer who makes love to her piano and sings sexy songs about the environment and her anatomy.

BOB’S BURGERS follows a third-generation restaurateur as he runs his own burger joint with the help of his wife and their three kids. Bob has big ideas about burgers, condiments and sides, but only a few thoughts on customer service and business management. Despite his greasy counters, lousy location and occasionally spotty service, Bob is convinced his burgers speak for themselves. The animated series features the voice talents of Benjamin, John Roberts, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman and Kristen Schaal.

BOB’S BURGERS is a 20th Century Fox Television production. The series was created by Loren Bouchard. Bouchard and Jim Dauterive serve as executive producers and writers. Become a fan of the series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bobsburgers. Follow the series on Twitter @BobsBurgersFOX and join the discussion at #BobsBurgers.

What do you think? Are you looking forward to the return of Bob’s Burgers?

Image courtesy FOX.