In a news release, Pappas announced it had acquired On The Border. The deal closed last year.
HOUSTON — Houston-based Pappas Restaurants has officially acquired On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, bringing together two long-standing names in the state’s dining scene under one ownership group.
The deal, which closed in May 2025, adds the Tex-Mex chain to Pappas Restaurants’ portfolio of concepts. Our partners at the Houston Business Journal posted last year that Pappas won the bankruptcy auction to acquire On the Border.
Founded in Dallas in 1982, On The Border has built a national following with menu staples such as sizzling fajitas, hand-pressed tortillas, fresh guacamole and margaritas. Company leaders say the brand has long been a gathering place for generations of diners.
“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,” said Christina Pappas, chief marketing officer for Pappas Restaurants. “Now, it’s part of our family.”
According to a news release, On The Border has already undergone a broad menu overhaul as part of the acquisition.
The addition expands a portfolio that includes concepts such as Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Pappasito’s Cantina, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Pappas Bar-B-Q, Pappas Burger and Yiayia’s Greek Kitchen.
Pappas Restaurants operates more than 100 locations nationwide.
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