From Nation's Restaurant News · · 1m 50s
Denny's Operator Files Bankruptcy
EYM Diner files Chapter 11 bankruptcy as former Pizza Hut and Panera operator struggles.
In brief
EYM Diner files Chapter 11 bankruptcy as former Pizza Hut and Panera operator struggles. EYM Diner, a 30-unit Denny's operator, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy with $10m-$50m liabilities after multiple bankruptcies across its Pizza Hut, Panera, KFC, and Burger King brands. Originally reported by Nation's Restaurant…
Bankruptcy Filing
EYM Diner filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Northern Texas court with less than $50,000 in assets and $10 million to $50 million in liabilities.
Largest Creditor
The IRS is listed as the largest unsecured creditor with a nearly $3.5 million claim for unpaid payroll taxes.
EYM Group History
EYM Group, founded by former McDonald's executive Eduardo Diaz, has suffered multiple bankruptcies since 2023 across Pizza Hut, Panera, KFC, and Burger King businesses.
Current Operations
EYM Diner operates 30 Denny's restaurants in Texas and Florida.
Denny's Response
Denny's Chief Development Officer Mark Burgess stated viable restaurants exist and franchise partners are willing to help secure their future.
“There are viable restaurants in this group, and franchise partners within our system are willing to step in to help secure their future”
EYM's Pizza Hut Business
EYM Pizza grew to over 140 locations before selling for $97 million in 2021, but the deal fell through as the economy deteriorated.
Pizza Hut Bankruptcy
EYM Pizza filed for bankruptcy after selling 77 Pizza Huts for less than $12 million and shuttering 65 locations.
Burger King Closure
EYM closed all 26 Burger King locations in February 2023 after being sued for late royalty payments.
KFC Closures
EYM closed 25 KFC locations in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin in 2023.
Panera Bankruptcy
EYM Cafe filed for bankruptcy in August 2025 after a federal judge ordered it to stop using Panera's name and trademarks.
Denny's Restructuring
Denny's is working to turn itself around after being taken private in January with plans to close 90 underperforming locations.
The bottom line
EYM Diner, a 30-unit Denny's operator, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy with $10m-$50m liabilities after multiple bankruptcies across its Pizza Hut, Panera, KFC, and Burger King brands.
