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On The Border

Information based on 2024 FDD
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Brand Highlights
  • Founded in 1994
  • Franchising Since 1996
  • 25 US Franchises
  • $2,351,000 - $4,010,000 Investment Range
  • $2,536,791 Average Gross Revenue
  • 4.0% Royalty Fee
  • $30,000 Franchise Fee
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Brand Description

On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina has established itself as a beloved casual dining destination, serving up authentic Tex-Mex cuisine since 1994. Known for their vibrant atmosphere and generous portions, On The Border combines the bold flavors of Mexico with American-style hospitality to create an engaging dining experience.

The restaurant's signature offerings include hand-pressed tortillas, sizzling fajitas, and their famous Border-style queso. Their extensive menu features everything from traditional enchiladas and tacos to innovative Border Bowls and specialty margaritas. The complimentary chips and fresh salsa served to every table have become a hallmark of the On The Border experience.

What sets On The Border apart is their commitment to creating a festive, family-friendly environment while maintaining high standards of service and food quality. Their locations feature spacious dining areas, full-service bars, and often include outdoor patio seating. The restaurant's popularity for both casual dining and celebrations is evident in their strong customer loyalty and positive reviews.

The brand has successfully carved out its niche in the competitive restaurant industry by offering value-driven promotions like Taco Tuesdays and happy hour specials, while maintaining consistency across their locations. Their reward program provides additional benefits to regular customers, fostering long-term relationships with their patrons.

For potential franchisees, On The Border represents an opportunity to join a well-established brand with a proven track record in the full-service restaurant sector. Their operational systems, comprehensive training programs, and established supply chain provide the foundation for successful franchise ownership.

DID YOU KNOW?

How much does it cost to start a franchise with On The Border?

$2,351,000
$4,010,000
Did you know that bringing the vibrant flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine to your community through an On The Border franchise requires a total investment between $2,351,000 and $4,010,000, which covers everything from the $30,000 franchise fee to kitchen equipment, restaurant buildout, and working capital needed to launch this popular Mexican grill and cantina concept?
Financial Summary
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Investment Range
$2,351,000 - $4,010,000
Investment Midpoint
$3,180,500
Minimum Cash Required
$2,351,000
Royalty Fees
4.0%
Brand Fund
2.0%
Brand Bragging Rights
30 years proven Tex-Mex restaurant concept
Premium Border-style cuisine positioning
Fresh daily guacamole and salsas made in-house
Signature hand-pressed flour tortillas made to order
Comprehensive Border Rewards loyalty program
Multi-channel ordering platform with mobile app
Financial Analysis
On The Border requires a substantial investment of $2.35M to $4.01M, positioning it in the premium tier of full-service restaurant franchises within the Food & Beverage industry. This investment significantly exceeds the sub-sector averages of $1.05M to $2.30M, reflecting the brand's established market position as a casual restaurant chain featuring Tex-Mex standards, with comprehensive infrastructure requirements including kitchen equipment, dining room buildout, and extensive technology systems.

The full-service restaurant sector faces ongoing challenges from labor costs, supply chain pressures, and evolving consumer preferences toward fast-casual dining. However, the Mexican cuisine segment remains resilient due to broad demographic appeal and menu versatility supporting both dine-in and delivery channels.

With 134 units and 30 years of operation since 1994, On The Border demonstrates system maturity and operational stability. The moderate unit count suggests selective growth rather than aggressive expansion, potentially indicating stronger territorial protection for franchisees. The brand's reported gross revenue of $2.54M exceeds sub-sector averages by 59%, though individual performance varies significantly by location and market conditions.

This investment suits experienced restaurant operators or well-capitalized investors with substantial liquid capital requirements. The premium investment level demands sophisticated operational management and strong local market presence. Prospective investors should thoroughly review the FDD and conduct comprehensive due diligence given the significant capital commitment and competitive casual dining landscape.
Expected Investment Range
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Average Gross Sales
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Financing
Financing Details

Franzy connects you with top-tier financing partners to help secure the funds to invest in a franchise like On The Border. Whether you're looking for a loan or exploring other financial products, our partners provide expert guidance to ensure you obtain the necessary capital. They specialize in offering solutions tailored to the needs of franchisees, making the process of securing financing smooth and straightforward.

Why Financing with Franzy Partners?

Choosing to finance through Franzy's partners ensures you get the best terms and support for your franchise investment. Our partners have extensive experience in the franchising industry and offer specialized financial solutions tailored to your needs. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, you can find the right financing plan that fits your budget and goals. Our partners are committed to providing personalized guidance throughout the financing process, making it easier for you to secure the necessary funds and confidently move forward with your franchise venture.

Finance Partners
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FranFund

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CRF USA

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First Bank of the Lake

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Golden Capital Solutions

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Location Analysis
On The Border demonstrates a strategic geographic presence across multiple states, with notable concentration in the South and Northeast. Texas maintains a dominant presence as the core market, while strong regional presences have been established in Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, and New York as secondary hubs. The brand's impressive 4.53 average rating across numerous customer reviews indicates consistent service quality and strong market acceptance, particularly in core regions.

The franchise shows particular strength in metropolitan areas with diverse demographics and strong dining-out cultures. The significant presence in Texas suggests optimal performance in markets with established Mexican cuisine preferences and higher disposable income. The geographic distribution reveals opportunities for expansion in underserved Western states and mid-sized markets with similar demographics to successful locations.

Ideal locations typically feature high-traffic areas near commercial centers or shopping districts, with demographic indicators including median household incomes above $60,000 and population densities exceeding 100,000 within a 5-mile radius. The brand performs particularly well in suburban areas with strong lunch crowds and family-oriented communities. Prospective franchisees should focus on markets with limited authentic Mexican restaurant competition and strong casual dining demand.
Total US Locations134
Open Franchises25
Corporate Locations109
Average Sq. FootN/A
Territory Map

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Franchise Net Unit Growth
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Additional Information

Executive Team

Get to know the leadership behind On The Border. Learn about the experience and expertise of the executive team guiding On The Border's success. For more details, refer to Item 2 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Litigation

Review any legal actions or pending litigation involving On The Border. Understanding the legal history helps assess potential risks and the brand's business practices. For more details, refer to Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Bankruptcy

Review On The Border's bankruptcy history and any filings by key personnel or affiliates. This critical information provides transparency about the brand's financial stability and management. For more details, refer to Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Franchisor Assistance

Learn about On The Border's comprehensive support system for franchisees, including initial training programs and continuous operational assistance. Understanding the available resources and support structure is crucial for franchise success. For more details, refer to Item 11 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

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