By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-03-28 01:36:29 | Updated at 2025-03-31 01:16:22
2 days ago
A beloved Mexican chain has filed for bankruptcy and will close 76 locations, joining the growing list of imploding casual dining restaurants.
On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina - known for its queso, tacos, fajitas, and enchiladas - filed for bankruptcy earlier this month.
The Tex-Mex chain has now revealed the extent of its location cuts across 24 states. Scroll down to see the full list with addresses.
Some of the restaurants have already closed and the rest will close imminently. The company had 119 restaurants at the start of the year, so could be left with under 50.
In its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing the company blamed the economy, difficulty in getting workers and its creditors for its woes.
'On The Border has been weighed down in recent years by macroeconomic factors that have negatively impacted the Company,' the company's chief restructuring officer Jonathan Tibus said.
'Casual dining restaurants are acutely impacted by consumer sensitivities to eating out versus staying in.'
It is not yet clear how many of the company's 2,800 employees will be affected.
On the Border filed for bankruptcy earlier this month and is closing 76 locations
On the Border first opened in 1982 with a single cantina and was bought out by Brinker International twelve years later.
Brinker International set to work franchising the restaurant and by recently the company said it had 110 company-owned and nine franchise locations in the US.
In 2007 the venture went global and opened locations in South Korea.
On the Border did not respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment.
The chain's struggles are another blow to the fast casual food industry that has seen several fan-favorites turn to bankruptcy courts in the past year.
Former giants like Red Lobster, TGI Fridays, and Buca di Beppo all declared Chapter 11 after financial struggles.
Other chains like Hooters are also rumored to be debating bankruptcy moves.
Smaller restaurants have also used bankruptcy to reassess their debts: BurgerFi; Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries; and Roti are all smaller-platform restaurants that have entered bankruptcy.
The Tex-Mex chain offers queso, tacos, fajitas, and enchiladas
On the Border first opened in 1982 with a single cantina
The restaurant industry is facing a broader downturn of customer traffic.
Shoppers have been dealing with inflationary pressures since 2021, with peak rates hitting over 9 percent in summer 2022.
The restaurant industry is facing a broader downturn of customer traffic.
Retail executives have consistently kept praising 'resilient' American consumers in earnings calls. But recently, traffic numbers have started to worry top bosses.
Millions of Americans have cut back on discretionary spending after a red-hot December 2024 retail period ended.
Now, even some of the largest restaurants have reported slowing sales since January 2025.
Starbucks has reported slowing sales and Texas Roadhouse said it has seen less interest in its restaurants after having a banner 2024.
