Bankrupt national restaurant chain bought by a competitor

Two months after filing for bankruptcy protection, a popular Tex-Mex restaurant chain has been purchased by a competitor.

Texas-based Pappas Restaurants has announced it was selected as the highest bidder during the auction of On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, reports USA TODAY.

“We’re excited to welcome On The Border to the Pappas family,” Mike Rizzo, CEO of Pappas Restaurants, said in a news release, according to USA TODAY. “On The Border is a brand with deep heritage and loyal guests, and we see tremendous opportunity to invest in its future. Our shared Texas roots and passion for hospitality make this a natural fit.

In March, Atlanta-based On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina filed for federal bankruptcy, citing inflation and changing customer behavior.

USA TODAY reports OTB Holdings Chief Restructuring Officer Jonathan Tibus said the company had been affected by “macroeconomic factors.” The company decided in late February to close 40 “non-performing” stores.