# Denny's Operator Files Bankruptcy

> EYM Diner files Chapter 11 bankruptcy as former Pizza Hut and Panera operator struggles.
- Title: Denny's Operator Files Bankruptcy · Nation's Restaurant News
- Summary: EYM Diner files Chapter 11 bankruptcy as former Pizza Hut and Panera operator struggles.
- Keywords: eym diner, denny's, pizza hut, panera, kfc, burger king, chapter 11 bankruptcy, franchisees, texas, florida, bankruptcy filing, liabilities
- Source: Nation's Restaurant News — https://nrn.com/family-dining/a-30-unit-denny-s-operator-files-for-bankruptcy
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: eym diner, denny's, pizza hut, panera, kfc, burger king, chapter 11 bankruptcy, franchisees, texas, florida, bankruptcy filing, liabilities
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.