Tex-Mex restaurant chain with global reach hopes to open Lexington location
A Texas-based restaurant chain known for fajitas and fun wants to come to Kentucky.
On the Border, which has more than 120 locations globally, is looking for a spot to land in Lexington.
Brian Shaughnessy, vice president of franchising, said On the Border would like to start with at least three locations across the state and build from there.
Why Lexington? “It’s a white space for us,” he said, meaning there are no locations in Kentucky now. “I love Kentucky and I think it’s a great opportunity,” he said.
Possible On the Border Lexington location
He said that local consumer base and real estate options make Central Kentucky especially appealing.
One area he’s looking at: “Restaurant row on Jefferson Street.”
He said the chain has different design options that would fit in just about anywhere, from a standalone restaurant to a sleeker, pared down version that could fit into an airport.
The chain is expanding globally, with new restaurants in Asia, he said. “In South Korea they love us, they think we’re a premium brand. And we’re trying to get into India,” Shaughnessy said, as he was preparing to leave for an opening in Vietnam.
He said that the chain is looking for the right franchise partner and the right location to move forward in Lexington. Once those are in place, he said, the timeline to open a new On the Border is about 12 months.
On the Border’s menu
What makes On the Border different from other Tex-Mex chains?
Shaughnessy highlighted the fun, vibrant atmosphere, as well as the consistently high quality of the food. “We have real servers and real food,” he said.
Customers love the signature cheese dip, fajitas made with mesquite wood and ice-cold margaritas, he said. “Every table has queso,” he said. “And we pioneered table-side guacamole.”
And one thing you may not realize: On the Border is big for catering. “We’re tops in category for off-premise,” Shaughnessy said.
