IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Hostess Brands says it is going out of business, closing plants that make Twinkies and Wonder Bread and laying off all of its 18,500 workers.

The Irving, Texas, company says a nationwide worker strike crippled its ability to make and deliver its products at several locations.

Hostess had warned employees that it would file a motion in U.S. Bankruptcy Court to unwind its business and sell assets if plant operations didn't return to normal levels by Thursday evening.

The privately held company filed for Chapter 11 protection in January, its second trip through bankruptcy court in less than a decade.

This also puts the future of well-known snacks, such as Twinkies, Ding Dongs, and Zingers in question.

"Twinkies is just one of those things you grab, and the inside feeling. It's just awesome. It'd be a travesty if they disappeared," said Chris Lawson.

"Snacks. Snack food. Always had them when I was a little kid," said Jay Goodman.

"A world without Twinkies is just unbearable to think about," said Susie Racek.

"It'd be like moonpies going away," said Debbie.

"I don't know if that expiration date is 1,000 years is true, but I'm probably gonna grab some if they go away. Grab an extra box or two," said Lawson.

"Well, I would not eat one because I'm not going to be here in 1,000 years. You could fry them and that would take all the germs out. That's what they do," said Racek and Goodman.