On The Border Saved? Texas-Based Pappas Restaurants Buys Bankrupt Chain

The future of On The Border Restaurants once looked very dim, but now things are looking the best they've looked for the brand in many years.

In March, On The Border announced that it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company cited tough economic conditions, underperforming restaurants, and staffing issues, as to why the company was struggling. Leading up to and after that announcement, On the Border closed many restaurants, including the location here in Lubbock. The future didn't look good for the brand.

READ MORE: On The Border Closes In Lubbock 

On the Border Bought by Pappas

Last week though, Pappas Restaurants announced they had acquired On the Border after announcing they had the highest bid at auction according to News9.com. Based in Houston, Pappas Restaurants owns and operates a number of successful restaurants and brands including Pappasito's Cantina, Pappa Bros. Steakhouse,  Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, and Pappas BBQ.

If approved by the courts, Pappa's could expand On The Border and build it back into a Tex-Mex powerhouse that it once was. No word yet on if Pappa's will keep all existing restaurants as On the Border or change any of them into Pappasito's. That's all to be determined.

READ MORE: Texas Based On The Border Files For Bankruptcy

Texas-Based Pappas and Texas Based On the Border

I'm a big fan of the Pappa's Restaurants and I love that they are based in Houston. With Pappas based in Texas and now owning On The Border, it just means these great brands are still Texas based.

Will On The Border come back to Lubbock? That decision is probably a few years away, but I wouldn't count it out.