QSR Visits Drop- What Operators Must Know
Quick-service restaurant visits dipped 4.4% in May, while diners gravitate toward full-service. Explore what's driving the trend and actionable insights for your operation.
Jul 6, 2026
Quick-service restaurant visits dipped 4.4% in May, while diners gravitate toward full-service. Explore what's driving the trend and actionable insights for your operation.
Jul 6, 2026
Tiki Taco expands its Kansas City presence with a new Liberty-adjacent location, highlighting local growth, community ties, and what this means for restaurant operators watching rising independent brands.
Jul 6, 2026
Discover the operational philosophy and guest experience behind Bad Daddy's Burger Bar, featuring insights from chef John Elliott on how the Southeast burger concept builds consistency, drives innovation, and elevates the American burger experience.
Jul 6, 2026
Jersey Mike’s plans an IPO, showcasing sharp growth and franchise strength - a move with ripple effects for restaurant owners watching industry trends.
Jul 2, 2026
White Castle and Garage Beer, two Ohio-based favorites, announce a summer collaboration with new promotions and products. Learn how restaurant owners can ride the LTO wave.
Jul 2, 2026
Learn how to build a restaurant catering system that attracts clients, improves margins, simplifies operations, and creates repeat revenue.
Jul 2, 2026
QR code menu helps restaurants update items faster, improve mobile ordering, reduce printing costs, and track customer behavior over time.
Jul 2, 2026
McDonald’s welcomes Bryan Brown as chief development officer, leveraging his experience to drive store modernization and support the “NEXT” strategy for franchisees and teams.
Jul 2, 2026
Compare the top 10 restaurant POS systems in the USA for 2026. Explore features, pricing, pros, cons, and the best POS options for every restaurant type.
Jul 1, 2026
Explore the latest restaurant industry performance report for Q2 2026, including key restaurant industry trends, segment performance, and labor challenges.
Jul 1, 2026
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.