Buy an On The Border Franchise

On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina is a Tex-Mex casual dining restaurant chain founded in 1982 in Dallas, Texas, by three friends inspired by tequila and a passion for fresh, bold border-style cuisine. The brand is known for from-scratch cooking, fresh-pressed tortillas, house-made salsas, and mesquite-grilled meats, offering an authentic Tex-Mex experience with a lively atmosphere featuring a dining area, bar/cantina, and outdoor patios. On The Border operates approximately 80 locations in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and South Korea, with a mix of corporate-owned and franchised restaurants, focusing franchise growth mainly in international markets. The company has modernized its concept with redesigned prototypes and expanded into ghost kitchens to boost off-premise sales. Despite recent financial challenges, including a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in March 2025 and closure of over 70 locations, On The Border is undergoing restructuring and new ownership under Pappas Restaurants Inc., aiming for renewed growth.

Latest Resales

  • There are currently no On The Border resales available

Why buy an On The Border Franchise?

Investing in On The Border offers entry into a well-known Tex-Mex brand with a loyal customer base and a revitalized growth strategy under new ownership. Franchisees benefit from a proven concept, comprehensive corporate support, and opportunities in emerging markets and innovative formats like ghost kitchens. Despite recent restructuring, the brand’s authentic cuisine, strong heritage, and focus on modernization provide a compelling foundation for future success in a popular segment of casual dining.

On The Border Franchise Costs & Information

  • Minimum Qualifications

    • Initial Franchise Fee

      $40,000

    • Initial Investment

      $2,543,500 - $4,300,000

  • Royalty

    • Royalty Fee

      4%

  • Training & Support

    • 300 hours on the job training

    • 15 hours classroom training

    • Ongoing support

    • Marketing support

On The Border – Additional  Information

  1. Franchisee Support

    On The Border offers franchisees a proven full-service restaurant model with operational training, marketing support, and access to a strong supplier network. Franchise development is focused on international markets and select U.S. territories, supported by corporate guidance in site selection, restaurant design, and operational standards.

  2. Accolades & Awards

    On The Border’s long-standing presence since 1982, reputation for quality Tex-Mex cuisine, and recognition as the largest Mexican casual-dining chain in the U.S. underscore its market position and brand strength.

  3. Industry / Market

    The Tex-Mex casual dining segment remains competitive but shows promise through innovation and adaptation to consumer trends such as off-premise dining and technology integration. On The Border’s expansion into ghost kitchens and international markets like South Korea aligns with growing demand for convenient, authentic ethnic cuisine.

  4. Ideal Owner

    Ideal franchisees are experienced restaurant operators or entrepreneurs passionate about Tex-Mex cuisine and capable of managing full-service dining establishments. They should be committed to maintaining brand standards and delivering excellent guest experiences in both dine-in and off-premise formats.

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