Greater Ronkonkoma coverage is funded in part by The Core Station Yards, now leasing brand-new apartment homes in Ronkonkoma. Click here to book your in-person tour today.
Long Island’s On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina restaurants in Holtsville and Hicksville shut their doors this week, marking the end of the chain’s presence on the Island.
By Tuesday, both locations had been removed from the company’s website, and their individual pages listed them as permanently closed. A sign posted at the Holtsville restaurant (located along the Long Island Expressway service road, next door to Island 16 Cinema de Lux) confirmed the shutdown, reading in all capital letters:
“This location is permanently closed. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank our customers.”
It concluded with a suggestion: “Please find another location at www.ontheborder.com.”
That seems to be asking a lot, considering the nearest On The Border eateries are now hours away in New Jersey — in Paramus and New Brunswick.
The company has yet to issue a statement on the closures. The Long Island shutdowns are part of a larger wave of On The Border closures across the country. On the Border has suddenly shut down restaurants this month in Massachusetts, Virginia, Michigan, Iowa and other states.
The restaurant industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, with many chain establishments struggling due to rising costs and shifting consumer habits.
Top photo: On the Board in Holstville. Long Island’s two On the Border restaurants closed for good this week (Credit: Nicholas Esposito).
