Classic diner chain operator files Chapter 11 bankruptcy
EYM Diner, operating 30 Denny's locations, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Texas. This marks the latest financial restructuring for owner Eduardo Diaz's franchise empire, which previously operated brands like Pizza Hut and Panera. Denny's is working with EYM creditors to find new operators for viable stores. The filing lists up to $50M in liabilities.
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- ✓ EYM Diner filed Chapter 11 in Texas with up to $50M in liabilities.
- ✓ The bankruptcy affects 30 Denny's locations in Texas and Florida.
- ✓ This marks the third EYM Group bankruptcy in just 12 months.
- ✓ Eduardo Diaz's affiliated entities have faced financial troubles since 2024.
What changed
EYM Diner's Chapter 11 filing was confirmed, listing up to $50M in liabilities and marking the third EYM Group bankruptcy in 12 months.
Live updates
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EYM Diner, 30-unit Denny's franchisee, files Chapter 11 bankruptcy
EYM Diner, operating 30 Denny's locations, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Texas. This marks the latest financial restructuring for owner Eduardo Diaz's franchise empire, which previously operated brands like Pizza Hut and Panera. Denny's is working with EYM creditors to find new operators for viable stores. The filing lists up to $50M in liabilities.
Why it matters
The bankruptcy filing is part of a larger financial struggle for EYM and its affiliated entities. Eduardo Diaz's businesses have been facing financial troubles since 2024, affecting multiple major restaurant chains. The Denny's franchisee bankruptcy follows previous filings for other brands.
What is confirmed
- EYM Diner filed Chapter 11 in Texas with up to $50M in liabilities.
- The bankruptcy affects 30 Denny's locations in Texas and Florida.
- This marks the third EYM Group bankruptcy in just 12 months.
- Eduardo Diaz's affiliated entities have faced financial troubles since 2024.
What to watch next
- Identification of new operators for EYM's Denny's locations
- Resolution of EYM's liabilities and asset restructuring
- Potential impact on employees and customers of affected Denny's stores
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.franchiseherald.com — EYM Diner Files Chapter 11 on 30 Denny’s Units, Capping a ...
- www.fsrmagazine.com — 30-Unit Denny's Operator Files for Bankruptcy - FSR magazine
- lexpress-franchise.com — EYM Diner Files Chapter 11: 30 Denny's at Risk
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Denny's Franchisee EYM Diner Files For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
EYM Diner, an operator of 30 Denny's locations, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the Northern District of Texas under case number 26-44988. The filing marks the latest bankruptcy for owner Eduardo Diaz's broader franchise empire, which has previously operated brands including Pizza Hut and Panera. In response to the restructuring, Denny's is actively collaborating with EYM creditors to identify willing operators within its current system who can successfully take over viable restaurant stores and maintain operational continuity.
Why it matters
This bankruptcy filing highlights ongoing financial distress among large multi-brand restaurant franchisees facing mounting cost pressures and operational hurdles. The collapse of the 30-unit division adds strain to a corporate ownership footprint that spans five major brands. Corporate franchisors frequently intervene in these situations to reassign viable locations and protect brand presence.
What is confirmed
- EYM Diner, an operator of 30 Denny's locations, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
- The Chapter 11 case is number 26-44988 in the Northern District of Texas.
- EYM Diner is owned by Eduardo Diaz, whose franchise empire spans five major brands.
- Denny's is working with EYM's creditors to find willing operators to take over viable stores.
What to watch next
- Decisions by the bankruptcy court regarding the restructuring and potential sale of EYM Diner locations.
- Agreements between Denny's and other franchisees to take over viable stores.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- malaysia.news.yahoo.com — Portillo’s closing locations as consumers pay more but visit less - Yahoo News Malaysia
- finance.yahoo.com — Denny’s operator files for Chapter 11 - Yahoo Finance
- www.nrn.com — A 30-unit Denny’s operator files for bankruptcy - nrn.com
- restaurantassociation.com — Denny's Franchisee EYM Diner Files for Chapter 11
- www.bankruptcyobserver.com — Eym Diner Ch. 11 — 26-44988, N.D. Tex. | BKO
- www.franchisetimes.com — Denny's Looks to Assure Continuity After 30-Unit Operator ...
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Oprah Winfrey-backed True Food Kitchen enters Chapter 11 bankruptcy
True Food Kitchen filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing weak sales, rising costs, strategic errors and management turnover. The Scottsdale, Arizona operator has closed 12 of its 46 restaurants, cutting 41 jobs in Arizona. To support a potential sale or recapitalization, the company secured a $20 million debtor-in-possession financing agreement. The chain, which focuses on healthy dining, is attempting to maintain its remaining locations while undergoing the restructuring process.
Why it matters
The company operates as a healthy dining chain. This filing follows a period of financial distress caused by internal management shifts and external economic pressures.
What is confirmed
- True Food Kitchen filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
- The company closed 12 of its 46 restaurants.
- Arizona job losses total 41.
- The operator secured a $20 million debtor-in-possession financing agreement.
- True Food Kitchen is based in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Still unconfirmed
- Oprah Winfrey backs the restaurant chain.
What to watch next
- Details of the recapitalization or sale process
- Further restaurant closures or job cuts
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (2)
- finance.yahoo.com — An Oprah-Backed Restaurant Chain Just Filed For Bankruptcy ...
- elevenflo.com — Sailormen, Inc. Bankruptcy Docket
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True Food Kitchen Files For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
True Food Kitchen, a classic diner chain operator based in Scottsdale, Arizona, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company blamed management turnover, rising costs, strategic errors, and weak sales for the financial distress. It has already closed 12 of its 46 restaurants, resulting in 41 job losses in Arizona. To fund a recapitalization or sale, the operator is utilizing a $20 million debtor-in-possession financing agreement.
Why it matters
The restaurant industry faces intense financial headwinds, mirroring broader struggles among franchise operators nationwide. Rising operational expenses and shifting consumer spending habits continue to challenge dining chains of all sizes.
What is confirmed
- True Food Kitchen filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
- The Scottsdale, Arizona company cited management turnover, rising costs, strategic errors, and weak sales as drivers of the filing.
- The company closed 12 of its 46 restaurants, causing 41 job losses in Arizona.
- The operator is using a $20 million debtor-in-possession financing agreement to fund a recapitalization or sale.
What to watch next
- Developments regarding the proposed sale or recapitalization of True Food Kitchen
- Further restaurant closures or operational cutbacks by the company
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (11)
- www.restaurantdive.com — What this Wendy’s operator bankruptcy can teach franchisees
- finance.yahoo.com — A wildfire, a construction nightmare and $80K monthly rent ...
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — restaurant closures: Latest News & Videos, Photos about ...
- recordsfinder.com — Bankruptcy Records Search – Find Filings, Judgments & More
- www.newsbreak.com — Cathie Wood Predicts Oil Crashing to $30-$35 a Barrel as EVs Take Over Transportation: Says Demand Is 'Peaking’
- crediblelaw.com — Wendy’s Closing Locations: The Franchisee Bankruptcy ...
- finance.yahoo.com — Wendy’s operator can close 60 more locations in bankruptcy
- www.zerohedge.com — Major Fast-Food Chain Faces Wave Of Restaurant Closures As ...
- www.restaurantbusinessonline.com — The number of franchisee bankruptcies has soared this year - Trends, Ideas and News
- freerepublic.com — Major Fast-Food Chain Faces Wave of Restaurant Closures as ...
- soyummy.com — Wendy’s Customers Are Starting to Feel a Change the Chain ...
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True Food Kitchen files Chapter 11 bankruptcy
True Food Kitchen, a classic diner chain operator, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The Scottsdale, Arizona company cited management turnover, rising costs, strategic errors, and weak sales as the primary drivers of the filing. It closed 12 of its 46 restaurants, resulting in 41 job losses in Arizona. The company is utilizing a $20 million debtor-in-possession financing agreement to fund a recapitalization or sale.
Why it matters
The bankruptcy filing comes as the company struggles to recover from various challenges. True Food Kitchen's situation highlights the difficulties faced by restaurant chains in the current market. The company's decision to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy may allow it to restructure and potentially find a buyer.
What is confirmed
- True Food Kitchen filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on October 5.
- The company closed 12 of its 46 restaurants, resulting in 41 job losses in Arizona.
- True Food Kitchen is utilizing a $20 million debtor-in-possession financing agreement.
- The primary drivers of the filing are management turnover, rising costs, strategic errors, and weak sales.
What to watch next
- The outcome of True Food Kitchen's recapitalization or sale plans
- The impact of the bankruptcy filing on its operations and employees
- Any updates on the company's restructuring efforts
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- finance.yahoo.com — What the Meritage Chapter 11 Teaches Restaurant Franchisees
- www.diningandcooking.com — Perkins Griddle & Go Opens First U.S. Location in New Jersey
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True Food Kitchen operates under Chapter 11 protection
True Food Kitchen is utilizing a $20 million debtor-in-possession financing agreement from a HumanCo affiliate to fund a recapitalization or sale. The Scottsdale, Arizona company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on October 5 after closing 12 of its 46 restaurants on Sunday. These closures resulted in 41 job losses in Arizona. The company cites management turnover, rising costs, strategic errors, and weak sales as the primary drivers of the filing.
Why it matters
The bankruptcy follows a period of instability for the health-focused chain. This filing occurs amid a broader trend of diner and restaurant closures throughout 2026.
What is confirmed
- True Food Kitchen filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on October 5.
- The company closed 12 of its 46 restaurants.
- Closures resulted in 41 job losses in Arizona.
- An affiliate of HumanCo provided $20 million in debtor-in-possession financing.
What to watch next
- The outcome of the sale or recapitalization process
- Court filings detailing the company's restructuring plan
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- nypost.com — bankruptcy | Latest News | New York Post
- www.foxbusiness.com — Great Business Leaders in America & Around the World | Fox Business
- dictionary.cambridge.org — CLASSIC | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
- www.dictionary.com — CLASSIC Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
- elevenflo.com — Chapter 11 filings, structured for research - ElevenFlo
- finance.yahoo.com — 53-year-old diner closing is just the latest of 100s in 2026
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True Food Kitchen Files Chapter 11 and Closes 12 Restaurants
Health-focused restaurant chain True Food Kitchen has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and abruptly closed 12 of its 46 restaurants. The Scottsdale, Arizona-based company announced the filing on Monday, October 5, following the final day of service for the affected locations on Sunday. The closures cut 41 jobs in Arizona and stem from weak sales, rising costs, strategic missteps, and frequent management turnover. Operations are currently being supported by a $20 million debtor-in-possession financing agreement from an affiliate of equity holder HumanCo to fund a sale or recapitalization process.
Why it matters
The bankruptcy filing marks a major contraction for the health-focused chain, which counts Oprah Winfrey among its backers and previously operated across nine states including California, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Virginia. The company is using the Chapter 11 process to restructure its liabilities and assets while attempting to recover from external financial pressures. A $20 million debtor-in-possession fund is intended to sustain the business through a prospective sale or recapitalization.
What is confirmed
- True Food Kitchen filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and closed 12 restaurants.
- The Scottsdale, Arizona-based chain announced the bankruptcy filing on Monday, October 5.
- The company cited strategic missteps, frequent management turnover, and declining sales.
- A $20 million DIP from an affiliate of equity holder HumanCo funds a sale or recapitalization process.
- The closures cut 41 jobs.
What to watch next
- Developments in the sale or recapitalization process funded by HumanCo's affiliate
- Further updates on remaining restaurant locations and potential asset sales
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- bondoro.com — Case Summary: True Food Kitchen Chapter 11
- whatsnewtoday.org — ‘Oprah Backed’ Restaurant Chain Files for Bankruptcy
- cardislawgroup.com — True Food Kitchen Chapter 11: What Arizona Workers Should ...
- www.aol.com — NYC’s evolving love affair with diners enters a shiny, new ...
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True Food Kitchen files Chapter 11 bankruptcy, closes 12 restaurants
True Food Kitchen, a health-focused restaurant chain backed by Oprah Winfrey, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and closed 12 restaurants across the US. The chain, which has locations in California, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Virginia, cited liabilities and assets in its bankruptcy filing. The closures are part of a restructuring effort to help the company recover from weak sales, rising costs, and external factors.
Why it matters
The bankruptcy filing and restaurant closures are part of a larger trend of restaurant chains struggling with financial challenges. Other chains, such as TGI Fridays, are expanding with new locations, while Golden Corral closed its Independence, Missouri location after 15 years. True Food Kitchen's bankruptcy and restructuring efforts will likely have implications for its employees, customers, and investors.
What is confirmed
- True Food Kitchen filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on October 4, 2026.
- The company closed 12 restaurants as part of its bankruptcy restructuring.
- True Food Kitchen has locations in California, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Virginia.
- Oprah Winfrey made a significant investment in True Food Kitchen in 2018.
What to watch next
- The company's plans for future restructuring and potential additional restaurant closures
- The impact of the bankruptcy filing on employees and customers
- The possibility of True Food Kitchen being sold or merging with another company
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- finance.yahoo.com — Restaurant chain backed by Oprah files for bankruptcy and ...
- www.abc15.com — True Food Kitchen files for bankruptcy, plans to close 12 restaurants - ABC15 Arizona
- www.lasvegasadvisor.com — Las Vegas News - Sep 01 - Sep 30 2026 | Las Vegas Advisor
- wheninyourstate.com — Oprah backed restaurant chain files for bankruptcy and closes ...
- bayareatelegraph.com — Restaurant Chain With Broadway Plaza Location Files for ...
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — Oprah Winfrey made a 'significant' investment in True Food ...
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Classic diner chain operator files Chapter 11 bankruptcy
A Classic diner chain operator has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing liabilities and assets. The company is among several restaurant chains, including Oprah-backed True Food Kitchen, struggling with weak sales, rising costs, and external factors. TGI Fridays is expanding with new locations, while Golden Corral closed its Independence, Missouri location after 15 years.
Why it matters
The restaurant industry faces significant challenges, with many chains closing locations or filing for bankruptcy. Weak sales, rising costs, and external factors contribute to financial distress. Diners are adapting to changing consumer preferences and economic conditions.
What is confirmed
- TGI Fridays' US footprint plunged from 329 locations to 71 since 2020.
- Golden Corral's Independence, Missouri location closed after 15 years.
- Nearly 200 NYC diners have closed in the last decade.
What to watch next
- The Classic diner chain operator's bankruptcy plan
- TGI Fridays' expansion timeline
- Further restaurant closures
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.dailymail.com — Desperate chain gambles on a massive US expansion after years of brutal closures and a devastating bankru....
- hoodline.com — Independence Golden Corral Closes After 15 Years as Chain ...
- recordsfinder.com — Chapter 11 Public Bankruptcy Records Search - RecordsFinder
- nypost.com — Exclusive | NYC's evolving love affair with diners enters a ...
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Classic diner chain operator files Chapter 11 bankruptcy
A Classic diner chain operator filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing liabilities and assets. The company joins others, including Oprah-backed True Food Kitchen, which recently filed for bankruptcy and closed multiple locations. Weak sales, rising costs, and external factors contribute to financial distress.
Why it matters
The restaurant industry faces challenges, with multiple operators seeking bankruptcy protection. Classic diner chain's financial struggles may be linked to industry-wide issues. Chapter 11 filings have increased, reflecting sector difficulties.
What is confirmed
- The Classic diner chain operator's bankruptcy filing is part of a larger trend of restaurant industry financial struggles.
- True Food Kitchen filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and closed 12 restaurants.
- The True Food Kitchen chain has $42M in debt.
Still unconfirmed
- The Classic diner chain operator's specific liabilities and assets are not detailed in available sources.
What to watch next
- Further Chapter 11 filings by restaurant chains
- Decisions on restructuring plans
- Financial reports from similar operators
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (6)
- en.wikipedia.org — Classic - Wikipedia
- www.wowhead.com — Classic+ Overview - The Possible Next Iteration of Classic
- www.youtube.com — DRAKE - CLASSIC - YouTube
- classiccars.com — Classic Cars for Sale - ClassicCars.com
- www.foxbusiness.com — Oprah-backed True Food Kitchen files for bankruptcy after shuttering a dozen restaurants
- nypost.com — Oprah-backed healthy restaurant chain dramatically closes LA stores overnight in bankruptcy crisis
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Florida Village Inn operator VI Oldsmar LLC files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
VI Oldsmar LLC, an operator of a Florida Village Inn restaurant, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company reports liabilities totaling more than $554,000 against assets of $72,000. The filing follows a period of weak sales and rising costs, with some reports indicating this is the fifth Chapter 11 filing since June. The operator cited hurricane damage as a contributing factor to its financial distress.
Why it matters
This filing reflects broader economic pressures facing breakfast and family-style dining operators. Previous reports linked bankruptcy trends in this sector to Asani Restaurant Group and the Buttermilk Eatery brand.
What is confirmed
- VI Oldsmar LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
- The company reported more than $554,000 in liabilities.
- The operator reported $72,000 in assets.
- Rising costs and weak sales contributed to the bankruptcy filing.
Still unconfirmed
- This is the fifth Chapter 11 filing since June.
- Hurricane damage contributed to the company's financial failure.
What to watch next
- Court rulings on the Chapter 11 restructuring plan
- Updates on the operational status of the Florida location
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.foxbusiness.com — Breakfast chain franchisee files for bankruptcy as rising costs, weak sales weigh
- capitaldigest.com — Village Inn Franchisee Files Bankruptcy Amid Rising Costs
- finance.yahoo.com — Restaurant operator closes eateries, files Chapter 11 bankruptcy
- capitaldigest.com — Village Inn Franchisee Files Bankruptcy With $554K Debt
- www.petition11.com — New Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filing - S.M.F. Group Inc.
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Asani Restaurant Group Files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Asani Restaurant Group, the parent company of Buttermilk Eatery, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The filing underlines severe pressures in the breakfast dining and family-restaurant sectors, where operators struggle to protect profit margins against broad market volatility. The company operates as a rival to Denny's, though various reports differ on whether the business is a 68-year-old breakfast chain or a 60-year-old dining chain franchisee. This financial restructuring highlights mounting economic stress across the industry.
Why it matters
Family-dining operators face severe economic headwinds as they try to maintain profit margins amid shifting consumer habits and rising operational costs. Independent restaurateurs and large chains alike are seeking court protection to manage mounting debts and restructure liabilities. Other industry players are also making adjustments, such as Cracker Barrel using a property deal to pay down debt and upgrade menu items.
What is confirmed
- Asani Restaurant Group, the parent company of Buttermilk Eatery, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Still unconfirmed
- Some reports describe the operator as a 68-year-old breakfast chain while others identify it as a 60-year-old dining chain franchisee.
What to watch next
- Developments regarding Asani Restaurant Group's restructuring plan in bankruptcy court
- Further filings detailing asset and liability valuations for Buttermilk Eatery's parent company
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (8)
- www.foxbusiness.com — Restaurants - Fox Business ,Saving & Investing
- finance.yahoo.com — Cracker Barrel's new CEO has a warning about restaurant prices
- www.ajc.com — A mover and shaker in Atlanta’s restaurant scene hits money troubles
- www.bankruptcyobserver.com — Recent Restaurant Bankruptcy Filings - bankruptcyobserver.com
- levittownnow.com — Operator Of Local Eateries Files Chapter 11, Fights With Bank
- bkinformation.com — Daily Bankruptcy News
- courtcasefinder.com — Bankruptcy Records Search – Instant Filings Lookup Online
- nypost.com — restaurants | Latest News | New York Post
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Asani Restaurant Group files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Asani Restaurant Group, the parent company of Buttermilk Eatery, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The filing comes as the breakfast dining sector faces significant strain and family-dining headwinds. While some reports describe the operator as a 68-year-old breakfast chain, others identify it as a 60-year-old dining chain franchisee. The company is a rival to Denny's. This bankruptcy reflects broader struggles within the breakfast and family dining market, where operators are fighting to maintain margins amid sector-wide volatility.
Why it matters
Breakfast and family dining chains are currently facing systemic headwinds that threaten operational stability. This filing highlights the financial fragility of established breakfast operators. The situation illustrates a trend of bankruptcy filings across various dining segments.
What is confirmed
- Asani Restaurant Group, the parent company of Buttermilk Eatery, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
- The company operates as a rival to Denny's.
- The filing occurs amid struggles and headwinds within the breakfast and family dining sectors.
Still unconfirmed
- The dining chain franchisee is 60 years old.
What to watch next
- Court filings detailing Asani Restaurant Group's total debt
- The company's reorganization plan for Buttermilk Eatery locations
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (7)
- thestreet.com — Classic diner chain operator files Chapter 11 bankruptcy
- currently.att.yahoo.com — 68-year-old breakfast chain operator files Chapter 11 bankruptcy
- dars.gov.et — Denny’s Rival Dining Chain Files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Amid Family-Dining Headwinds - Earnings Season Preview
- careplusvn.com — Buttermilk Eatery Parent Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy as Breakfast Dining Sector Struggles - Earnings Call Transcript
- careplusvn.com — 60-Year-Old Dining Chain Franchisee Files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy - Margin Expansion Trends
- dars.gov.et — Buttermilk Eatery Parent Asani Restaurant Group Files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy as Breakfast Sector Strains - Special Dividend Alert
- www.nrn.com — 7-unit Dave’s Hot Chicken franchisee files Chapter 11 bankruptcy
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