Boxer, a Portland, Ore.-based ramen chain, has closed its four locations after 11 years in the business. The company informed customers of its April 29 closures on April 25.
According to KOIN 6 News in Portland, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Feb. 9, along with SuperDeluxe, a five-unit burger joint. Both concepts are part of MMMco. restaurant group, owned by restaurateur Micah Camden. MMMco. also lists Camden’s Baes Chicken and Kinnamons, though the restaurant group’s website no longer exists.
Boxer posted the following statement on its Instagram page:
“It is with a very heavy heart we announced that after 11 years of serving you our unique brand of Ramen, we sadly will be closing all of our doors for good this upcoming Monday, April 29. The incredible challenges that we all faced as a community during the pandemic, compounded by inflated costs of goods and services, have not only profoundly affected our restaurant, but all of us and our communities as a whole. Despite the tireless efforts and dedication of our incredible team, and the unwavering support from all of you, our family and friends, it has become impossible to continue operating.
We would love the opportunity to welcome you into our doors for one last meal as we will be open for our normal hours through this Sunday, the 28th. But most of all, we would love to just say goodbye to all of you that we grew up with over the last 11 years. You truly are our family and we will miss each and every one of you dearly.”
Notably, some Instagram followers were quick to point out the curious timing of the bankruptcy and closures, citing the concept’s recent expansion into Beaverton, Ore., in December, and an opening in Portland’s Multnomah Village neighborhood in January. Camden recently told the Willamette Week publication that the newest location was “going great.”
Meanwhile, Boxer’s sister chain, SuperDeluxe, has closed all but two locations. Camden told Willamette Week that the closed SuperDeluxe locations struggled because they didn’t include drive-thrus. The Chapter 11 restructuring process for both concepts was expected to end in early May.
Nation’s Restaurant News has reached out to Boxer for more information about its closures.
The Boxer news comes as several restaurant concepts have filed for bankruptcy just within the past month. New York City-based Sticky’s Holdings, parent company of Sticky Fingers, filed last week, citing the pandemic for its financial troubles. Florida-based Tijuana Flats filed earlier this month after closing a total of 40 restaurants so far this year. Also this month, North Aurora, Ill.-based Oberweis Dairy filed April 12 for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization at the 43-unit dairy and retail concept.
And Bloomberg reported April 16 that Orlando, Fla.-based Red Lobster, a stalwart in the casual-dining segment, was talking with experts about a possible bankruptcy filing. The company named Jonathan Tibus, known for his restructuring expertise, as CEO in late March.
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]
