GITNUXREPORT 2026

Bbq Restaurant Industry Statistics

The BBQ restaurant industry shows strong growth and sustained consumer popularity.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

68% of U.S. consumers ate BBQ food at least once per month in 2023 survey.

Statistic 2

42% of millennials prefer smoked brisket as their top BBQ item.

Statistic 3

Female consumers accounted for 52% of BBQ restaurant visits in 2023.

Statistic 4

75% of BBQ diners prioritize low-and-slow cooking methods.

Statistic 5

Average frequency of BBQ restaurant visits was 3.2 times per year per consumer in 2023.

Statistic 6

61% of consumers seek gluten-free options on BBQ menus.

Statistic 7

Vegetarian BBQ options were ordered by 14% of diners in 2023.

Statistic 8

55% of Gen Z consumers prefer plant-based BBQ alternatives.

Statistic 9

Customer satisfaction score for BBQ restaurants averaged 4.3 out of 5 in 2023.

Statistic 10

72% of BBQ consumers value outdoor seating availability.

Statistic 11

Spicy BBQ sauce preference rose to 48% among consumers in 2023.

Statistic 12

Family groups (4+ people) made up 38% of BBQ restaurant traffic.

Statistic 13

67% of consumers aged 35-54 order ribs as top BBQ choice.

Statistic 14

Loyalty program participation in BBQ restaurants reached 29% of customers.

Statistic 15

81% of BBQ diners use mobile apps for ordering.

Statistic 16

Health-conscious consumers (22%) opt for leaner BBQ meats.

Statistic 17

Weekend lunch visits peaked at 45% of weekly BBQ traffic.

Statistic 18

53% of consumers prefer authentic regional BBQ styles.

Statistic 19

Consumer Behavior: 49% of Boomers prefer traditional sauces.

Statistic 20

Consumer Behavior: Hispanic consumers 23% more likely to visit BBQ spots.

Statistic 21

Consumer Behavior: 36% cite ambiance as key decision factor.

Statistic 22

Consumer Behavior: Repeat visit rate 62% within 3 months.

Statistic 23

Consumer Behavior: 70% influenced by social media reviews.

Statistic 24

Consumer Behavior: Low-carb BBQ orders up 27%.

Statistic 25

Consumer Behavior: 58% prefer dine-in over takeout post-2023.

Statistic 26

Consumer Behavior: Craft beer pairings chosen by 44%.

Statistic 27

Consumer Behavior: Allergy accommodations requested by 19%.

Statistic 28

Consumer Behavior: Late-night BBQ demand 15% of sales.

Statistic 29

The U.S. BBQ restaurant industry generated $12.4 billion in revenue in 2023, marking a 4.2% increase from 2022.

Statistic 30

Global BBQ sauce market, closely tied to BBQ restaurants, reached $2.1 billion in 2023 with a CAGR of 5.8% projected through 2030.

Statistic 31

Number of BBQ restaurants in the U.S. stood at 5,872 in 2023, up 1.8% year-over-year.

Statistic 32

BBQ restaurant segment accounted for 2.1% of total U.S. limited-service restaurant revenue in 2022.

Statistic 33

Projected U.S. BBQ restaurant market growth rate is 3.9% CAGR from 2024 to 2029.

Statistic 34

Texas BBQ restaurant revenue totaled $2.8 billion in 2023, leading all states.

Statistic 35

Average annual revenue per BBQ restaurant in the U.S. was $2.1 million in 2023.

Statistic 36

BBQ restaurant industry profit margin averaged 6.2% in 2023.

Statistic 37

U.S. BBQ restaurant sales grew 7.5% during the 2023 summer season.

Statistic 38

Full-service BBQ restaurants contributed $8.9 billion to U.S. industry revenue in 2023.

Statistic 39

Limited-service BBQ outlets numbered 3,214 in the U.S. in 2023.

Statistic 40

BBQ restaurant market share held by chains was 42% in 2023.

Statistic 41

Industry-wide BBQ restaurant employment reached 145,000 full-time equivalents in 2023.

Statistic 42

Average check size at BBQ restaurants was $18.47 in 2023.

Statistic 43

BBQ restaurant revenue per available seat hour (RSAH) averaged $45.20 in 2023.

Statistic 44

U.S. BBQ restaurant industry expanded by 2,100 units net from 2020-2023.

Statistic 45

Online delivery sales for BBQ restaurants surged to 18% of total revenue in 2023.

Statistic 46

BBQ restaurant catering revenue grew 12% YoY to $1.7 billion in 2023.

Statistic 47

Franchise BBQ restaurants generated $4.2 billion in system-wide sales in 2023.

Statistic 48

Independent BBQ restaurants' revenue share was 58% of the market in 2023.

Statistic 49

BBQ restaurant industry cost of goods sold (COGS) averaged 32.5% of revenue in 2023.

Statistic 50

Meat procurement costs for BBQ restaurants rose 15% in 2023 due to inflation.

Statistic 51

Market Size & Revenue: U.S. BBQ restaurant revenue forecast to hit $14.2 billion by 2028.

Statistic 52

Market Size & Revenue: Chains like Dickey's BBQ Pit reported $500M+ system sales.

Statistic 53

Market Size & Revenue: QSR BBQ segment sales $3.6B in 2023.

Statistic 54

Market Size & Revenue: Post-COVID recovery added $1.8B to BBQ sales.

Statistic 55

Market Size & Revenue: Export of BBQ techniques boosted international revenue 9%.

Statistic 56

Market Size & Revenue: Event catering segment $900M within BBQ.

Statistic 57

Market Size & Revenue: Digital sales platforms contributed 15% growth.

Statistic 58

Market Size & Revenue: Inflation-adjusted revenue up 2.8%.

Statistic 59

Market Size & Revenue: Venture capital in BBQ tech $45M in 2023.

Statistic 60

Market Size & Revenue: Membership clubs like Goldbelly BBQ $200M sales.

Statistic 61

Average table turn time at BBQ restaurants was 68 minutes in 2023.

Statistic 62

Labor costs represented 34.1% of total expenses for BBQ restaurants.

Statistic 63

Food waste in BBQ restaurants averaged 4.2% of purchases.

Statistic 64

Peak hour sales volume was 62% of daily total.

Statistic 65

Inventory turnover ratio for BBQ meats was 12.5 times per year.

Statistic 66

Employee turnover rate in BBQ restaurants was 78% annually.

Statistic 67

Average kitchen staff size per BBQ restaurant was 8.3 FTEs.

Statistic 68

Utility costs averaged $0.14 per square foot monthly.

Statistic 69

Smoker usage hours averaged 18 per day in full-service BBQ spots.

Statistic 70

Online reservation usage was 24% of table bookings.

Statistic 71

Delivery fulfillment time averaged 32 minutes.

Statistic 72

Seating capacity utilization hit 82% on weekends.

Statistic 73

Prime cost percentage (food + labor) was 65.8%.

Statistic 74

Maintenance costs for BBQ equipment averaged $12,500 yearly.

Statistic 75

Staff training hours per new hire: 28 hours.

Statistic 76

POS system adoption rate: 92%.

Statistic 77

Break-even point averaged $450,000 annual revenue.

Statistic 78

Operational Statistics: HVAC energy use 22% of utilities.

Statistic 79

Operational Statistics: Sauce prep time 12% of kitchen labor.

Statistic 80

Operational Statistics: Drive-thru wait time avg 7.2 min.

Statistic 81

Operational Statistics: Vendor delivery accuracy 96.4%.

Statistic 82

Operational Statistics: Menu item complexity score 4.1/10.

Statistic 83

Operational Statistics: Sanitization cycles per smoker: 2.3 daily.

Statistic 84

Operational Statistics: Peak staffing ratio 1:12 server to guest.

Statistic 85

Operational Statistics: Waste recycling rate 47%.

Statistic 86

Operational Statistics: App-based scheduling reduced no-shows 31%.

Statistic 87

Operational Statistics: Ticket times avg 11.4 min for apps.

Statistic 88

Texas holds 22% of all U.S. BBQ restaurants with 1,292 locations.

Statistic 89

North Carolina ranks second with 9.8% market share in BBQ density.

Statistic 90

Southeast U.S. accounts for 41% of BBQ restaurant revenue.

Statistic 91

California has 412 BBQ restaurants, focusing on fusion styles.

Statistic 92

Per capita BBQ restaurants highest in Memphis, TN at 1 per 12,500 residents.

Statistic 93

Midwest BBQ revenue grew 5.1% in Kansas City area alone.

Statistic 94

Florida's BBQ scene expanded by 14% since 2020.

Statistic 95

Urban BBQ density: 2.1 per 100,000 in South vs. 1.2 in West.

Statistic 96

Georgia contributes $1.1 billion in BBQ sales annually.

Statistic 97

Rural BBQ restaurants outnumber urban by 1.3:1 in BBQ belt states.

Statistic 98

Oklahoma City metro has 156 BBQ spots, highest in Plains.

Statistic 99

Northeast U.S. BBQ growth lagged at 2.1% YoY.

Statistic 100

Alabama's per capita spend on BBQ: $42 annually.

Statistic 101

Pacific Northwest BBQ outlets grew 8% with Asian fusion.

Statistic 102

BBQ restaurant concentration highest in BBQ Triangle (NC/TN/GA).

Statistic 103

Louisiana adds Cajun twist, 7% revenue share in South.

Statistic 104

35% of new BBQ openings in Sun Belt states 2023.

Statistic 105

Regional Distribution: Missouri's KC style dominates 18% of Midwest BBQ.

Statistic 106

Regional Distribution: Virginia has 210 outlets, 5th nationally.

Statistic 107

Regional Distribution: Southwest BBQ revenue $850M.

Statistic 108

Regional Distribution: NYC metro BBQ up 11% in density.

Statistic 109

Regional Distribution: Arkansas per capita highest in South at 1/18k.

Statistic 110

Regional Distribution: Colorado fusion BBQ spots 89 new opens.

Statistic 111

Regional Distribution: Tennessee revenue $1.9B leader in Appalachia.

Statistic 112

Regional Distribution: West Coast imports 22% of BBQ rubs.

Statistic 113

Regional Distribution: Kentucky bourbon-BBQ pairings 33% menu feature.

Statistic 114

Regional Distribution: Detroit urban BBQ density 1.8/100k.

Statistic 115

Plant-based BBQ menu items increased 45% in 2023.

Statistic 116

Wood pellet smokers adopted by 67% of new BBQ restaurants.

Statistic 117

Contactless payment usage reached 88% in BBQ outlets.

Statistic 118

Ghost kitchens for BBQ grew 22% YoY.

Statistic 119

Sustainability claims on 51% of BBQ menus.

Statistic 120

AI menu optimization used by 19% of chains.

Statistic 121

Off-premise sales hit 35% of revenue post-pandemic.

Statistic 122

Regional BBQ fusion dishes up 28% on menus.

Statistic 123

Electric smokers market share rose to 23%.

Statistic 124

Voice ordering via Alexa in 12% of BBQ spots.

Statistic 125

Zero-waste BBQ initiatives in 41% of independents.

Statistic 126

NFT loyalty programs piloted by 3 major chains.

Statistic 127

Hyper-local sourcing for 64% of meat supplies.

Statistic 128

VR training for pitmasters adopted by 7%.

Statistic 129

Canned BBQ cocktails sales up 31%.

Statistic 130

Trends & Innovations: Lab-grown meat trials in 2% of menus.

Statistic 131

Trends & Innovations: AR menu visualization in 11% chains.

Statistic 132

Trends & Innovations: Fermented sauces up 19%.

Statistic 133

Trends & Innovations: Drone delivery pilots in 5 rural spots.

Statistic 134

Trends & Innovations: Blockchain traceability for 28% brisket.

Statistic 135

Trends & Innovations: Pop-up BBQ events 43% revenue boost.

Statistic 136

Trends & Innovations: Keto-friendly sides 36% adoption.

Statistic 137

Trends & Innovations: Solar-powered smokers 9% new installs.

Statistic 138

Trends & Innovations: Gamified apps for loyalty 16% uptake.

Statistic 139

Trends & Innovations: Oyster BBQ fusion rising 24% in coastal areas.

1/139

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Forget burger chains and pizza joints—with the U.S. barbecue restaurant industry sizzling at $12.4 billion in revenue, a fiery passion for smoked meats and low-and-slow cooking is proving to be a major economic force.

Key Takeaways

The U.S. BBQ restaurant industry generated $12.4 billion in revenue in 2023, marking a 4.2% increase from 2022.
Global BBQ sauce market, closely tied to BBQ restaurants, reached $2.1 billion in 2023 with a CAGR of 5.8% projected through 2030.
Number of BBQ restaurants in the U.S. stood at 5,872 in 2023, up 1.8% year-over-year.
68% of U.S. consumers ate BBQ food at least once per month in 2023 survey.
42% of millennials prefer smoked brisket as their top BBQ item.
Female consumers accounted for 52% of BBQ restaurant visits in 2023.
Average table turn time at BBQ restaurants was 68 minutes in 2023.
Labor costs represented 34.1% of total expenses for BBQ restaurants.
Food waste in BBQ restaurants averaged 4.2% of purchases.
Texas holds 22% of all U.S. BBQ restaurants with 1,292 locations.
North Carolina ranks second with 9.8% market share in BBQ density.
Southeast U.S. accounts for 41% of BBQ restaurant revenue.
Plant-based BBQ menu items increased 45% in 2023.
Wood pellet smokers adopted by 67% of new BBQ restaurants.
Contactless payment usage reached 88% in BBQ outlets.

The BBQ restaurant industry shows strong growth and sustained consumer popularity.

Consumer Behavior

68% of U.S. consumers ate BBQ food at least once per month in 2023 survey.
42% of millennials prefer smoked brisket as their top BBQ item.
Female consumers accounted for 52% of BBQ restaurant visits in 2023.
75% of BBQ diners prioritize low-and-slow cooking methods.
Average frequency of BBQ restaurant visits was 3.2 times per year per consumer in 2023.
61% of consumers seek gluten-free options on BBQ menus.
Vegetarian BBQ options were ordered by 14% of diners in 2023.
55% of Gen Z consumers prefer plant-based BBQ alternatives.
Customer satisfaction score for BBQ restaurants averaged 4.3 out of 5 in 2023.
72% of BBQ consumers value outdoor seating availability.
Spicy BBQ sauce preference rose to 48% among consumers in 2023.
Family groups (4+ people) made up 38% of BBQ restaurant traffic.
67% of consumers aged 35-54 order ribs as top BBQ choice.
Loyalty program participation in BBQ restaurants reached 29% of customers.
81% of BBQ diners use mobile apps for ordering.
Health-conscious consumers (22%) opt for leaner BBQ meats.
Weekend lunch visits peaked at 45% of weekly BBQ traffic.
53% of consumers prefer authentic regional BBQ styles.
Consumer Behavior: 49% of Boomers prefer traditional sauces.
Consumer Behavior: Hispanic consumers 23% more likely to visit BBQ spots.
Consumer Behavior: 36% cite ambiance as key decision factor.
Consumer Behavior: Repeat visit rate 62% within 3 months.
Consumer Behavior: 70% influenced by social media reviews.
Consumer Behavior: Low-carb BBQ orders up 27%.
Consumer Behavior: 58% prefer dine-in over takeout post-2023.
Consumer Behavior: Craft beer pairings chosen by 44%.
Consumer Behavior: Allergy accommodations requested by 19%.
Consumer Behavior: Late-night BBQ demand 15% of sales.

Consumer Behavior Interpretation

The American love affair with barbecue is a complex, slow-smoked romance where tradition insists on ribs and regional authenticity, while progress demands brisket, plant-based options, and gluten-free sauce, all enjoyed by a growing, diverse, and digitally-influenced crowd who simply want to sit outside with their families and a cold craft beer.

Market Size & Revenue

The U.S. BBQ restaurant industry generated $12.4 billion in revenue in 2023, marking a 4.2% increase from 2022.
Global BBQ sauce market, closely tied to BBQ restaurants, reached $2.1 billion in 2023 with a CAGR of 5.8% projected through 2030.
Number of BBQ restaurants in the U.S. stood at 5,872 in 2023, up 1.8% year-over-year.
BBQ restaurant segment accounted for 2.1% of total U.S. limited-service restaurant revenue in 2022.
Projected U.S. BBQ restaurant market growth rate is 3.9% CAGR from 2024 to 2029.
Texas BBQ restaurant revenue totaled $2.8 billion in 2023, leading all states.
Average annual revenue per BBQ restaurant in the U.S. was $2.1 million in 2023.
BBQ restaurant industry profit margin averaged 6.2% in 2023.
U.S. BBQ restaurant sales grew 7.5% during the 2023 summer season.
Full-service BBQ restaurants contributed $8.9 billion to U.S. industry revenue in 2023.
Limited-service BBQ outlets numbered 3,214 in the U.S. in 2023.
BBQ restaurant market share held by chains was 42% in 2023.
Industry-wide BBQ restaurant employment reached 145,000 full-time equivalents in 2023.
Average check size at BBQ restaurants was $18.47 in 2023.
BBQ restaurant revenue per available seat hour (RSAH) averaged $45.20 in 2023.
U.S. BBQ restaurant industry expanded by 2,100 units net from 2020-2023.
Online delivery sales for BBQ restaurants surged to 18% of total revenue in 2023.
BBQ restaurant catering revenue grew 12% YoY to $1.7 billion in 2023.
Franchise BBQ restaurants generated $4.2 billion in system-wide sales in 2023.
Independent BBQ restaurants' revenue share was 58% of the market in 2023.
BBQ restaurant industry cost of goods sold (COGS) averaged 32.5% of revenue in 2023.
Meat procurement costs for BBQ restaurants rose 15% in 2023 due to inflation.
Market Size & Revenue: U.S. BBQ restaurant revenue forecast to hit $14.2 billion by 2028.
Market Size & Revenue: Chains like Dickey's BBQ Pit reported $500M+ system sales.
Market Size & Revenue: QSR BBQ segment sales $3.6B in 2023.
Market Size & Revenue: Post-COVID recovery added $1.8B to BBQ sales.
Market Size & Revenue: Export of BBQ techniques boosted international revenue 9%.
Market Size & Revenue: Event catering segment $900M within BBQ.
Market Size & Revenue: Digital sales platforms contributed 15% growth.
Market Size & Revenue: Inflation-adjusted revenue up 2.8%.
Market Size & Revenue: Venture capital in BBQ tech $45M in 2023.
Market Size & Revenue: Membership clubs like Goldbelly BBQ $200M sales.

Market Size & Revenue Interpretation

America's love for BBQ continues to simmer steadily, proving that while the profit margins are lean and the meat costs are high, we're still willing to pay a premium to chase that smoky flavor and communal vibe, whether we're sitting down at a joint or having it delivered right to our door.

Operational Statistics

Average table turn time at BBQ restaurants was 68 minutes in 2023.
Labor costs represented 34.1% of total expenses for BBQ restaurants.
Food waste in BBQ restaurants averaged 4.2% of purchases.
Peak hour sales volume was 62% of daily total.
Inventory turnover ratio for BBQ meats was 12.5 times per year.
Employee turnover rate in BBQ restaurants was 78% annually.
Average kitchen staff size per BBQ restaurant was 8.3 FTEs.
Utility costs averaged $0.14 per square foot monthly.
Smoker usage hours averaged 18 per day in full-service BBQ spots.
Online reservation usage was 24% of table bookings.
Delivery fulfillment time averaged 32 minutes.
Seating capacity utilization hit 82% on weekends.
Prime cost percentage (food + labor) was 65.8%.
Maintenance costs for BBQ equipment averaged $12,500 yearly.
Staff training hours per new hire: 28 hours.
POS system adoption rate: 92%.
Break-even point averaged $450,000 annual revenue.
Operational Statistics: HVAC energy use 22% of utilities.
Operational Statistics: Sauce prep time 12% of kitchen labor.
Operational Statistics: Drive-thru wait time avg 7.2 min.
Operational Statistics: Vendor delivery accuracy 96.4%.
Operational Statistics: Menu item complexity score 4.1/10.
Operational Statistics: Sanitization cycles per smoker: 2.3 daily.
Operational Statistics: Peak staffing ratio 1:12 server to guest.
Operational Statistics: Waste recycling rate 47%.
Operational Statistics: App-based scheduling reduced no-shows 31%.
Operational Statistics: Ticket times avg 11.4 min for apps.

Operational Statistics Interpretation

The BBQ business is a high-stakes, smoke-filled relay race where pitmasters juggle relentless costs, fleeting staff, and impatient guests, all while chasing the holy grail of a brisk table turn before the brisket runs out.

Regional Distribution

Texas holds 22% of all U.S. BBQ restaurants with 1,292 locations.
North Carolina ranks second with 9.8% market share in BBQ density.
Southeast U.S. accounts for 41% of BBQ restaurant revenue.
California has 412 BBQ restaurants, focusing on fusion styles.
Per capita BBQ restaurants highest in Memphis, TN at 1 per 12,500 residents.
Midwest BBQ revenue grew 5.1% in Kansas City area alone.
Florida's BBQ scene expanded by 14% since 2020.
Urban BBQ density: 2.1 per 100,000 in South vs. 1.2 in West.
Georgia contributes $1.1 billion in BBQ sales annually.
Rural BBQ restaurants outnumber urban by 1.3:1 in BBQ belt states.
Oklahoma City metro has 156 BBQ spots, highest in Plains.
Northeast U.S. BBQ growth lagged at 2.1% YoY.
Alabama's per capita spend on BBQ: $42 annually.
Pacific Northwest BBQ outlets grew 8% with Asian fusion.
BBQ restaurant concentration highest in BBQ Triangle (NC/TN/GA).
Louisiana adds Cajun twist, 7% revenue share in South.
35% of new BBQ openings in Sun Belt states 2023.
Regional Distribution: Missouri's KC style dominates 18% of Midwest BBQ.
Regional Distribution: Virginia has 210 outlets, 5th nationally.
Regional Distribution: Southwest BBQ revenue $850M.
Regional Distribution: NYC metro BBQ up 11% in density.
Regional Distribution: Arkansas per capita highest in South at 1/18k.
Regional Distribution: Colorado fusion BBQ spots 89 new opens.
Regional Distribution: Tennessee revenue $1.9B leader in Appalachia.
Regional Distribution: West Coast imports 22% of BBQ rubs.
Regional Distribution: Kentucky bourbon-BBQ pairings 33% menu feature.
Regional Distribution: Detroit urban BBQ density 1.8/100k.

Regional Distribution Interpretation

While Texas flexes its undisputed dominance with over a quarter of the nation's barbecue temples, the Southeast collectively smokes the competition in revenue, proving that when it comes to 'cue, it's a fiercely regional religion with distinct, sizzling chapters from Carolina vinegar to Kansas City sauce.

Trends & Innovations

Plant-based BBQ menu items increased 45% in 2023.
Wood pellet smokers adopted by 67% of new BBQ restaurants.
Contactless payment usage reached 88% in BBQ outlets.
Ghost kitchens for BBQ grew 22% YoY.
Sustainability claims on 51% of BBQ menus.
AI menu optimization used by 19% of chains.
Off-premise sales hit 35% of revenue post-pandemic.
Regional BBQ fusion dishes up 28% on menus.
Electric smokers market share rose to 23%.
Voice ordering via Alexa in 12% of BBQ spots.
Zero-waste BBQ initiatives in 41% of independents.
NFT loyalty programs piloted by 3 major chains.
Hyper-local sourcing for 64% of meat supplies.
VR training for pitmasters adopted by 7%.
Canned BBQ cocktails sales up 31%.
Trends & Innovations: Lab-grown meat trials in 2% of menus.
Trends & Innovations: AR menu visualization in 11% chains.
Trends & Innovations: Fermented sauces up 19%.
Trends & Innovations: Drone delivery pilots in 5 rural spots.
Trends & Innovations: Blockchain traceability for 28% brisket.
Trends & Innovations: Pop-up BBQ events 43% revenue boost.
Trends & Innovations: Keto-friendly sides 36% adoption.
Trends & Innovations: Solar-powered smokers 9% new installs.
Trends & Innovations: Gamified apps for loyalty 16% uptake.
Trends & Innovations: Oyster BBQ fusion rising 24% in coastal areas.

Trends & Innovations Interpretation

Today's savvy barbecue joint is less about a solitary pitmaster guarding a secret recipe and more a nimble, tech-forward hub where you can pay for your plant-based brisket—sourced from a neighbor's farm and traced via blockchain—with a tap of your phone, pick it up from a ghost kitchen, and enjoy it with a fermented sauce recommended by an AI, all while wondering if your next order might be delivered by drone.

Sources & References

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