Seems like a "Death of Superman" style marketing ploy.
Probe for interest and defibrilate the franchise with a shock to the system.
Dump a bunch of publicity that "twinkies" are at risk of disappearing forever, unless [insert emotional blackmail]. Then, for about six months, enjoy renewed interest and a little bit of merchandizing funds in the form of t-shirt sales and the like.
If succesful, a boost of fresh blood enters the community for a short period of time, and the tailings of any looming debt can be reconciled before executing a cleaner exit from public operations.
Probe for interest and defibrilate the franchise with a shock to the system.
Dump a bunch of publicity that "twinkies" are at risk of disappearing forever, unless [insert emotional blackmail]. Then, for about six months, enjoy renewed interest and a little bit of merchandizing funds in the form of t-shirt sales and the like.
If succesful, a boost of fresh blood enters the community for a short period of time, and the tailings of any looming debt can be reconciled before executing a cleaner exit from public operations.