Beloved Tex-Mex restaurant chain closes nationwide

It is the end of an era for On the Border Mexican Grill and Cantina. The once-prominent restaurant chain has officially shuttered all company-owned locations across the country.

Franchise Status and Local Impact

While the company-owned sites are closing, USA Today reports that franchise-operated restaurants in California, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, and South Korea will remain open for business. Locally, Alabama fans of the brand will recall that the chain's only state location, situated at the Summit in Birmingham, closed back in 2024.

A Difficult Decision

In a statement posted to its official website, the company expressed gratitude to its loyal patrons and staff: “After many years of serving our communities, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina has closed its company-owned restaurant locations. This was an incredibly tough decision. We are deeply grateful to the guests and team members who supported On the Border for so many years.”

Navigating Recent Challenges

These closures follow a 2025 bankruptcy filing. At that time, the chain was under the ownership of Argonne Capital Group—which also manages brands like Applebee’s, IHOP, and Wingstop—and operated 60 restaurants across 18 states.

Houston-based Pappas Restaurants acquired the chain in May 2025. Earlier this month, the new ownership group, which oversees a portfolio including Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen and Pappasito’s Cantina, claimed the brand had undergone a "sweeping menu overhaul" aimed at boosting food quality and operational standards. However, the nationwide closures were announced less than two weeks later.

“We are currently evaluating the future of the On The Border brand and exploring a range of strategic options,” Pappas told USA Today. “Our immediate focus is on supporting our team members through this transition and ensuring an orderly and respectful closure.”