Latest News About On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina

Here’s the latest I can share based on recent publicly reported developments:

• The chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early 2025 and has since closed a significant number of locations as part of a restructuring. This included shuttering more than 70 stores and seeking court permission to terminate leases nationwide [USA TODAY coverage referenced in 2025 reports].[2]
• In mid-2025, reports indicated a sale of On The Border to a competitor as part of the bankruptcy proceedings, with Texas-based Pappas Restaurants identified as the highest bidder in the auction process [CB Insights summary citing USA TODAY coverage].[3]
• There were reports in early 2025 that several locations, including in Arizona, appeared to close quietly, with local media noting most Arizona sites had ceased operations or were permanently closed according to local trackers and inquiries [ABC15 coverage in 2025].[5]

If you want, I can pull the most current, region-specific status (e.g., NYC area, or a particular state) and provide a narrowed list of remaining open locations, plus any franchising or recovery announcements. Would you like me to do that?

Sources:

• On The Border closing more than 70 restaurants after filing for bankruptcy: See list [USA TODAY via franchise/business coverage].[2]
• Purchase by Pappas Restaurants after bankruptcy auction [CB Insights / USA TODAY coverage].[3]
• Reports of Arizona locations appearing closed [ABC15 local news].[5]