Woburn and West Springfield Say Goodbye to On The Border

Categories: Massachusetts Business NewsMassachusetts LifestyleMassachusetts NewsMassachusetts Restaurant

The closure of On The Border locations in Massachusetts has left fans of Tex-Mex cuisine disappointed.

News Summary

On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina has officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, resulting in the closure of all its locations in Massachusetts, including Woburn and West Springfield. The parent company, OTB Holding LLC, is facing financial struggles and has shut down numerous locations across the U.S. While there’s hope for a reorganization, local fans of the Tex-Mex chain are left without their beloved dining option.

Woburn and West Springfield Say Goodbye to On The Border

It’s a tough day for fans of Tex-Mex cuisine in Massachusetts! Recently, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina has officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, resulting in the closure of all its locations in the Bay State, including those in Woburn and West Springfield.

What’s Happening?

On March 5, OTB Holding LLC, the parent company of On The Border, made the decision to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia. Now, you might be wondering, what does Chapter 11 mean? Simply put, it’s a type of bankruptcy that allows businesses to reorganize their debts while still keeping their doors open. While this may sound hopeful, it also indicates that the company has been facing some serious financial struggles, as well as the heat from rising inflation costs.

A Spillover Effect

The financial troubles have hit hard, with the recent bankruptcy filing leading to widespread closures across not just Massachusetts, but 24 states in total. Last month alone, On The Border shut down a staggering 40 locations, reducing its footprint significantly. Once boasting 120 locations across the U.S. and internationally, the popular restaurant chain now finds itself with only 80 remaining. The affected states include Arizona, Florida, New Jersey, and many more.

What’s Next for the Chain?

So, what does the future hold for On The Border? The company plans to use the funds from the bankruptcy process not just to keep things running smoothly during this challenging time, but also to drive operational improvements and pursue the sale of most of its assets. This means there’s a chance that On The Border could emerge from this situation stronger than before. But for now, they have started withholding payments to vendors and for renting properties, which has unfortunately led to cuts in services across their locations.

All About the Food

For those of you who loved munching on their tacos, burritos, and sizzling fajitas, it’s certainly a sad state of affairs. On The Border has been a go-to for folks craving delicious Tex-Mex cuisine ever since they opened their doors in 1982. The restaurant has been known for its vast menu featuring everything from cheesy chimichangas to mouthwatering margaritas, making it a popular dining choice for families and friends alike.

Local Impact

As we sit here today, there are officially no open On The Border locations in Massachusetts. For loyal customers in Woburn, West Springfield, and beyond, it’s a tough blow, as this beloved joint was often the place to come together over great food and good company. It’s certainly been a rough ride for On The Border, but as they navigate these choppy waters of reorganization, there is still a glimmer of hope that they can come out the other side ready to serve tasty eats once again.

Stay Tuned

As On The Border continues to fight through these financial difficulties, we’ll be keeping a close eye on their next moves. For now, those late-night cravings for their famous enchiladas and nachos will have to be put on hold. Let’s hope that this isn’t the end for the chain, and perhaps one day soon, our local communities will be able to welcome them back with open arms and filled bellies!