ON THE BORDER MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA
ON THE BORDER MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)
ON THE BORDER MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA offers a casual dining experience specializing in Tex-Mex cuisine. Franchisees receive support in marketing, operations, and training, helping them grow their restaurant in the competitive food industry.
On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina is a well-known Tex-Mex restaurant franchise that opened its first location in October 1982 in Dallas, Texas. Founded by three friends who were passionate about bold, border-style cuisine, the brand quickly earned a reputation for its lively atmosphere and flavorful dishes.
The company is now headquartered in Irving, Texas.
The franchise began expanding in 1996, enabling entrepreneurs to bring the On The Border experience to new markets across the country.
The menu features classic Tex-Mex favorites like sizzling mesquite-grilled fajitas, hand-pressed tortillas, and freshly made guacamole. Tableside guacamole service and large portions help the brand stand out in the casual dining segment.
Initial investment
Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
ON THE BORDER MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA offers 3 types of franchises:
| Type of OTB Restaurant |
Initial Investment |
| Full Service Conventional Location |
$2,932,800 to $5,058,000 |
| Conversion of Existing Restaurant |
$1,425,500 to $3,398,000 |
| Retail In-Line Location |
$2,425,500 to $4,178,000 |
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a On The Border Full Service Conventional Location.
For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure |
Amount |
| Franchise Fee |
$30,000 |
| Real Estate |
Variable and TBD |
| Legal & Closing Costs |
$10,000 – $30,000 |
| Environmental Reports |
$10,000 – $50,000 |
| Utilities |
$10,000 – $50,000 |
| Professional Fees |
$75,000 – $130,000 |
| Total Misc. Development |
$105,000 – $260,000 |
| Site Development |
$250,000 – $500,000 |
| Building Construction |
$1,500,000 – $2,500,000 |
| Equipment, Fixtures & Furniture |
$500,000 – $820,000 |
| Computer & Point of Sale System |
$50,000 – $85,000 |
| Signage |
$50,000 – $100,000 |
| Phone System |
$1,000 – $5,000 |
| Total Site Development, Building and F.F. & E. |
$2,351,000 – $4,010,000 |
| Initial Training Expenses |
$50,000 – $60,000 |
| Opening Personnel |
$100,000 – $150,000 |
| Initial Inventory |
$30,000 – $45,000 |
| Opening Hourly Uniforms |
$1,500 – $3,000 |
| Opening Training Material |
$3,000 – $5,000 |
| Initial Smallwares-Bar, Kitchen & Dining Room |
$45,000 – $60,000 |
| Grand Opening Advertising |
$10,000 – $15,000 |
| Miscellaneous Opening Costs |
$10,000 – $20,000 |
| Liquor License |
Varies |
| Total Opening Costs |
$249,500 – $358,000 |
| Total Estimated Investment Without Land or Additional Operating Funds |
$2,732,800 – $4,658,000 |
| Additional Operating Funds – First 3 Months |
$200,000 – $400,000 |
| TOTAL (Without Land) |
$2,932,800 – $5,058,000 |
ON THE BORDER MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA offers 3 types of franchises:
| Type of OTB Restaurant |
Initial Investment |
| Full Service Conventional Location |
$2,932,800 to $5,058,000 |
| Conversion of Existing Restaurant |
$1,425,500 to $3,398,000 |
| Retail In-Line Location |
$2,425,500 to $4,178,000 |
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a On The Border Full Service Conventional Location.
For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure |
Amount |
| Franchise Fee |
$30,000 |
| Real Estate |
Variable and TBD |
| Legal & Closing Costs |
$10,000 – $30,000 |
| Environmental Reports |
$10,000 – $50,000 |
| Utilities |
$10,000 – $50,000 |
| Professional Fees |
$75,000 – $130,000 |
| Total Misc. Development |
$105,000 – $260,000 |
| Site Development |
$250,000 – $500,000 |
| Building Construction |
$1,500,000 – $2,500,000 |
| Equipment, Fixtures & Furniture |
$500,000 – $820,000 |
| Computer & Point of Sale System |
$50,000 – $85,000 |
| Signage |
$50,000 – $100,000 |
| Phone System |
$1,000 – $5,000 |
| Total Site Development, Building and F.F. & E. |
$2,351,000 – $4,010,000 |
| Initial Training Expenses |
$50,000 – $60,000 |
| Opening Personnel |
$100,000 – $150,000 |
| Initial Inventory |
$30,000 – $45,000 |
| Opening Hourly Uniforms |
$1,500 – $3,000 |
| Opening Training Material |
$3,000 – $5,000 |
| Initial Smallwares-Bar, Kitchen & Dining Room |
$45,000 – $60,000 |
| Grand Opening Advertising |
$10,000 – $15,000 |
| Miscellaneous Opening Costs |
$10,000 – $20,000 |
| Liquor License |
Varies |
| Total Opening Costs |
$249,500 – $358,000 |
| Total Estimated Investment Without Land or Additional Operating Funds |
$2,732,800 – $4,658,000 |
| Additional Operating Funds – First 3 Months |
$200,000 – $400,000 |
| TOTAL (Without Land) |
$2,932,800 – $5,058,000 |
Franchise Disclosure Document
Number of units
Training
On The Border provides a comprehensive training structure to ensure franchisees and their staff are well-prepared to operate under its brand. The programs include the following:
- Initial Training Program: Franchisees must ensure that the General Manager, Kitchen Manager, Assistant Managers, and up to two additional individuals attend and complete the initial training. This program is held at a location designated by On The Border and must be completed no later than eight weeks before the grand opening. While there is no tuition cost for these individuals, all travel, lodging, and related expenses are the franchisee’s responsibility.
- Grand Opening Training: On The Border supplies a grand opening team to provide on-site support during pre-opening and initial operations. This includes supervision and operational assistance tailored to the franchise's specific needs. A Grand Opening Training Fee applies, and franchisees cover all associated travel and living costs for opening personnel.
- Supplemental Training Programs: Franchisees and designated managers are required to attend additional training sessions, seminars, and conventions as determined by On The Border. These are intended to address business trends and reinforce operational standards. All related expenses, including travel and accommodation, are the responsibility of the franchisee.
Territory Protection
On The Border grants franchisees a Protected Area, typically up to a 2.5-mile radius, within which no other On The Border restaurant will be established. This protection is contingent on the franchisee complying with the agreement terms.
However, this is not exclusive. The franchisor can still operate in airports, stadiums, virtual kitchens, and other non-traditional locations within the Protected Area, and may sell through other channels without restrictions or compensation to the franchisee.
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