On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina has closed all of its company-owned restaurants nationwide, marking another major chapter in the Tex-Mex chain’s restructuring efforts.
The restaurant brand confirmed the closures in a statement posted on its website, thanking customers and employees for their years of support. While corporate-owned locations have shut down, franchise restaurants in California, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota and South Korea will continue serving customers.
The move comes more than a year after the chain’s only Alabama location at The Summit in Birmingham permanently closed.
Bankruptcy led to sweeping changes
The nationwide closures follow On the Border’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2025. At the time, the company operated about 60 restaurants across 18 states under the ownership of Argonne Capital Group.
Houston-based Pappas Restaurants acquired the struggling brand in May 2025 and initially signaled plans to revive operations. Earlier this month, the company announced a menu overhaul, improved food quality and operational enhancements designed to refresh the customer experience.
However, the strategy changed quickly as management decided to shut down all company-owned locations.
Franchise locations remain open
Although corporate restaurants have closed, several independently operated franchise locations remain in business.
Customers can still visit On the Border restaurants in California, Florida, Nevada and South Dakota, while international franchise operations in South Korea also continue operating.
Meanwhile, Pappas Restaurants says it is evaluating the future of the brand and exploring several strategic options.
Company focuses on next steps
Pappas officials said their immediate priority is supporting employees affected by the closures and ensuring an orderly transition.
The company has not announced whether the On the Border brand could return in another format or whether additional franchise expansion is under consideration.
For now, the closures effectively end the company’s nationwide corporate restaurant operations after decades of serving Tex-Mex customers across the United States.
Source: AL.com; USA Today
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