On The Border Mexican Grill franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The On The Border Mexican Grill franchise fee is $30,000 and the total initial investment ranges from $1,425,500 to $5,058,000, with about $465,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the On The Border Mexican Grill FDD.
What are the On The Border Mexican Grill franchise fees and investment?
The On The Border Mexican Grill franchise requires a franchise fee of $30,000 and a total initial investment of $1,425,500 to $5,058,000. The franchise fee is one line inside the total investment, which also covers location, equipment, opening inventory and working capital.
| Franchise fee (FDD Item 5) | $30,000 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $1,425,500 to $5,058,000 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $465,000 |
| US locations | 134 |
| Industry | Food & Restaurant (Taco Chains) |
| Headquarters | Irving, Texas |
| Founded | 1982 |
| Franchising since | 1984 |
How does the On The Border Mexican Grill investment compare with other food & restaurant franchises?
On The Border Mexican Grill's minimum investment of $1,425,500 is above the median minimum investment of $297,082 across the 1213 food & restaurant franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 68 of the other 1211 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $30,000 compares with an industry median of $35,000.
By minimum investment, On The Border Mexican Grill belongs with franchises over $500,000.
What should you verify in the On The Border Mexican Grill FDD?
Verify six parts of the On The Border Mexican Grill Franchise Disclosure Document before you sign, because figures change with every annual FDD:
- Item 5 and Item 6: the current franchise fee, royalty, marketing fund and technology fees.
- Item 7: the full investment range by expense line, including working capital.
- Item 19: whether On The Border Mexican Grill discloses financial performance data, and which units it covers.
- Item 20: openings, closures and transfers, plus contacts for current and former franchisees.
- Item 21: the franchisor's audited financial statements.
- Item 12: whether your territory is protected.
The full list of Items is in the FDD guide. You must receive the FDD at least 14 calendar days before you sign a binding agreement or pay any money.
Which franchises are similar to On The Border Mexican Grill?
These food & restaurant franchises have the closest minimum investment to On The Border Mexican Grill:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom | $40,000 | $1,417,500 to $2,876,000 |
| Panera Bread | $35,000 | $1,434,566 to $4,651,324 |
| Zaxby's | $35,000 | $1,445,000 to $3,810,500 |
| Johnny's Italian Steakhouse | $75,000 | $1,400,000 to $4,400,000 |
| Pollo Campero | $30,000 to $40,000 | $1,454,650 to $3,750,500 |
See every brand in food & restaurant franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a On The Border Mexican Grill franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a On The Border Mexican Grill franchise ranges from $1,425,500 to $5,058,000, including a franchise fee of $30,000, according to franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. The exact amount depends on location, build-out and working capital, as shown in Item 7 of the FDD.
How much cash do you need to open a On The Border Mexican Grill franchise?
On The Border Mexican Grill lists a minimum of about $465,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many On The Border Mexican Grill locations are there?
On The Border Mexican Grill reported 134 US locations in the data compiled in October 2026. Item 20 of the FDD shows openings, closures and transfers for the last three years.
How long has On The Border Mexican Grill been franchising?
On The Border Mexican Grill started offering franchises in 1984 after the company was founded in 1982.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. On The Border Mexican Grill and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by On The Border Mexican Grill. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.