One year after acquiring Irving-based On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina in a bankruptcy auction, Houston’s Pappas Restaurants has welcomed the brand into its portfolio of dining concepts. Pappas’ other concepts include Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Pappasito’s Cantina, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Pappas Bar-B-Q, Pappas Burger, and Yiayia’s Greek Kitchen.
Founded in 1982, On The Border has long been known for its Tex-Mex dishes including sizzling fajitas, hand-pressed tortillas, freshly prepared guacamole, and signature hand-crafted margaritas. But in March 2025, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing inflation, rising interest costs, low traffic demand, and other factors.
After acquiring On the Border last year, Pappas said the deal would expand its presence in the Tex-Mex category “by adding a nationally recognized concept that offers bold flavors at an accessible price point.”
Under Pappas ownership in the year since the acquisition, On The Border has undergone “a sweeping menu overhaul” rooted in the same culinary standards that have defined the Pappas name across Texas for decades, Pappas Restaurants said. The brand has focused on enhanced food quality, strengthened operations, and elevating the overall guest experience.
‘Woven into the fabric of Texas dining’
Pappas Restaurants CMO Christina Pappas said On the Border “has been woven into the fabric of Texas dining for decades, a place where generations of guests have gathered, celebrated, and returned for the Tex-Mex they love. Now, it’s part of our family.”
“This brand carries a deep heritage and a loyal community that we’re proud to welcome to the Pappas family,” she added in a statement. “We’re delighted to honor that history with the quality and hospitality that Pappas is known for, while continuing to evolve the brand for loyal guests, both old and new.”
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