5NEWS
Tex-Mex chain On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina is closing its company-owned restaurants by the end of the day Friday, June 12, and Arkansas locations appear to be included.
OTB Hospitality announced the closures in a statement, according to our sister station WFAA in Dallas.
“This decision follows a thorough evaluation of the business and was not made lightly,” the company said. “We are currently evaluating the future of the On The Border brand and exploring a range of strategic options.”
The company said its immediate focus is on team members as they transition through the closures.
Franchise locations in South Dakota, Florida, Nevada, California, and South Korea operate independently and will remain open, according to the statement. Arkansas is not among the states listed as exempt, meaning the Rogers and Little Rock locations are expected to close.
5NEWS has reached out to the Rogers location for confirmation, but has not yet heard back. The location in Little Rock on Chenal Parkway is confirmed to be closing down.
On The Border filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March 2025, citing pressure from inflation and changing customer behavior. Roughly half of its restaurants closed as part of the bankruptcy proceedings.
Pappas Restaurants acquired the chain out of bankruptcy in May 2025. The brand was previously owned by Chili’s parent company, Brinker International.
Founded in Dallas in 1982, On The Border is known for its sizzling fajitas, signature marinades, margaritas, chips and salsa, and fresh tortillas made daily.
Dining and Cooking