How to Build Your Restaurant Back Office Software Stack
Learn how to build a restaurant back office software stack that improves efficiency, integrations, reporting, cost control, and scalability overall.
Aug 21, 2026
Learn how to build a restaurant back office software stack that improves efficiency, integrations, reporting, cost control, and scalability overall.
Aug 21, 2026
Clear operating procedures help restaurants manage opening, closing, food preparation, sanitation, guest service, inventory, staffing, and routine operational reviews effectively.
Aug 21, 2026
Starbucks is making strategic staffing changes, laying off 200+ workers as it restructures operations and prepares for future growth in southern and eastern regions.
Aug 21, 2026
Dog Haus appoints James Field as chief marketing officer and promotes CJ Ramirez to chief experience officer, setting the stage for innovative brand growth and franchisee success in the national restaurant scene.
Aug 21, 2026
Payroll advances help restaurant owners give hourly employees earlier access to earned wages while maintaining accurate records, policies, and compliance.
Aug 19, 2026
Panera Bread welcomes Andrew Rebhun as Chief Marketing Officer, succeeding Mark Shambura. Learn about his background at CAVA, El Pollo Loco, and McDonald's.
Aug 20, 2026
Learn how to open a restaurant with no experience by planning your concept, budget, location, team, operations, and successful launch.
Aug 19, 2026
Taco Bell’s Taylor Montgomery has been appointed as President of Jack in the Box, positioning him to take over as CEO within a year - signaling major shifts for the QSR brand's future.
Aug 20, 2026
Explore the main types of ordering technology restaurants use to improve accuracy, speed, payments, customer convenience, and operational efficiency daily.
Aug 17, 2026
Learn the eight essential steps of the restaurant payroll process, from tracking hours and calculating wages to payments and recordkeeping.
Aug 17, 2026
Unlock Exclusive Access To Webinars, Events, And The Latest News For Free!
Explore the journey of On the Border restaurant chain from its growth in the 1990s to its recent bankruptcy filing, revealing the challenges faced in the competitive restaurant industry.


On the Border, a renowned Mexican food chain, embarked on its journey in 1982 in Dallas, Texas. With a menu featuring mesquite-grilled fajitas, margaritas, and endless chips and salsa, the restaurant quickly gained popularity. Expanding both domestically and internationally, the chain caught the attention of Brinker International, which acquired On the Border in 1994. By 2001, the brand boasted 100 locations in the US and later ventured into the South Korean market in 2007 through franchising partnerships.

The trajectory of On the Border took a turn in 2010 when Brinker International sold the 160-unit chain to Golden Gate Capital. Subsequent ownership transfers in 2014 to Border Holdings, linked to Argonne Capital Group, marked another chapter in the brand's history. In the midst of these transitions, Utz's acquisition of the rights to manufacture chips and dips under the On the Border brand in 2020 added another layer to the company's operations.

Despite its early success, On the Border faced challenges associated with macroeconomic factors impacting the restaurant industry. Rising menu prices outpacing grocery costs led to a decline in consumer dining out habits. Moreover, wage increases outstripping the company's ability to adjust prices added further strain on profit margins. Issues with workforce recruitment and retention further hampered operational efficiency, culminating in the closure of 40 underperforming locations in February 2021.
The financial strain on On the Border became evident with over $25 million spent on leases, with a significant portion allocated to underperforming locations. As the company grappled with liquidity challenges, it resorted to delaying vendor and rent payments to manage cash flow. This dire situation led to landlords and vendors taking drastic measures, including store closures and repossessions, exacerbating the operational hurdles. Consequently, the chain had to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to navigate its financial turmoil.
Looking ahead, On the Border aims to navigate its bankruptcy proceedings with the support of CrossFirst, its expected debtor-in-possession lender. By initiating a stalking horse asset purchase agreement and inviting competitive bids through a robust marketing process, the company seeks a path to financial recovery. As bidding procedures are set to commence in early April, the future of On the Border hinges on strategic restructuring and alignment with evolving market demands.