Pappas Restaurants Prevails at Auction for On The Border To Expand Its National Footprint

Texas-based family-owned restaurant group, Pappas Restaurants, emerged victorious in the auction for the renowned Tex-Mex brand, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina. The acquisition is pending court approval and is anticipated to be finalized in the upcoming weeks.

This purchase will unite two well-known Texas restaurant brands and expand Pappas’ presence in the Tex-Mex sector by incorporating a nationally recognized concept offering flavorful dishes at reasonable prices. The acquisition of On The Border, with its value-focused approach, will complement Pappasito’s Cantina, renowned for its fresh ingredients, sizzling fajitas, hand-shaken margaritas, and vibrant atmosphere. This integration will enable Pappas Restaurants to cater to a broader audience across various markets.

CEO of Pappas Restaurants, Mike Rizzo, expressed enthusiasm about the addition of On The Border to their family, citing the brand’s rich history, loyal customer base, and significant potential for growth. The shared Texan heritage and dedication to hospitality make this collaboration a natural fit.

Drawing on their extensive experience in managing successful restaurant brands, Pappas Restaurants will leverage their operational expertise and commitment to excellence to enhance and modernize On The Border locations while preserving the brand’s distinctive ambiance and offerings.

Co-owner of Pappas Restaurants, Chris Pappas, emphasized the opportunity to introduce more guests to their passion for Tex-Mex cuisine through this venture, looking forward to building on the strengths of both brands.

The transition will focus on elevating On The Border’s menu, operations, and customer experience while upholding the brand’s traditions and popular dishes. The commitment to quality, hospitality, and the Tex-Mex culinary experience will guide this transformation.

Pappas Restaurants, headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a family-owned restaurant group operating a range of iconic brands, such as Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Pappasito’s Cantina, Pappas Bar-B-Q, and Pappas Bros. Steakhouse. Renowned for their meticulous attention to detail, premium ingredients, and genuine hospitality, Pappas Restaurants has established a national reputation for excellence in the hospitality industry.

Established in 1982 in Dallas, Texas, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina has been serving Border-style Tex-Mex cuisine for over forty years. Recognized for its mesquite-grilled fajitas, hand-crafted margaritas, and lively dining atmosphere, the brand has been a fixture in the casual dining landscape. With over 150 locations at its peak, On The Border currently operates 60 company-owned restaurants in 18 states and has 20 franchised locations in the U.S. and South Korea.