Popular Texas restaurant chain will buy Dallas-based On the Border
In a surprise move by Houston-based Pappas Restaurants, the owner of Pappasito’s Cantina is buying Dallas-based On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, a 1980s fajitas-and-margaritas chain that had fallen on hard times.
The Pappas family has been in the food business and dining business since the 19th century. It started Pappasito’s in 1983 just before adding the popular Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen.
In the announcement, Pappas Restaurants described On the Border as “value-driven” and serving at an “accessible” price point. The restaurants can be strengthened with Pappas’ business model and an enhanced menu, the company announcement said.
9 + 2 = 11 Pappasito’s or On the Border locations
On the Border, which had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March, operates nine restaurants in the Fort Worth area. Pappasito’s has two, one in Fort Worth and one in Arlington.
At the time, On the Border closed its landmark No. 1 and No. 2 locations on Knox Street in Dallas and at 2011 E. Copeland Road, Arlington. The company has been owned by an Atlanta-based franchisee for Applebee’s and IHoP since 2014 after operating for most of its history as a Brinker International affiliate of Chili’s.
It is unclear how the Pappas Restaurants will position On the Border, although technically Pappasitos is a sharply more expensive restaurant.
For example, Pappasito’s charges$29.95 at dinner and $17.95 at lunch for its least expensive fajitas platter, and $17.95/$16.95 for enchiladas.
On the Border charges $19.95 at dinner and $14.79 at lunch for chicken fajitas, and $12.49/$10.99 for enchiladas.
Pappas praises ‘energy and bold flavors’
“On The Border has always stood out for its energy and bold flavors — it’s a brand we’ve known and respected for years,” Pappas co-owner Chris Pappas was quoted as saying in the announcement. “This gives us the chance to bring our passion for Tex-Mex to more guests.”
Pappasito’s Cantina locations in Tarrant County are at 321 W. Road to Six Flags St., Arlington, and 2704 West Freeway, Fort Worth.
On The Border has three Fort Worth restaurants plus Lake Worth, Bedford, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Mansfield and Weatherford.
This story was originally published May 9, 2025 at 5:30 AM.
