The Boxer Ramen chain has closed all four of its restaurants in Oregon this week, following a bankruptcy filing in February.
Restaurateur and primary partner Micah Camden filed for Chapter 11 protection on Feb. 8 for both Boxer Ramen LLC and sister company The Good Good LLC, which did business as SuperDeluxe, a once-five-unit burger concept. The cases were later consolidated for joint administration.
Last week, however, the court rejected the Boxer leases, and the restaurants were closed.
On the Boxer Ramen website and social media platforms, the company posted the statement, “It is with a very heavy heart that after 11 years of serving you our unique brand of ramen, we sadly have closed our doors for good.”
The statement blamed “heavy challenges” during the pandemic, compounded with inflated costs of goods and services. “Despite the tireless efforts and dedication of our incredible team, and the unwavering support from all of you, it has become impossible to continue operating,” the company said.
SuperDeluxe, however, appears to have three units in operation, implying that two have closed, though it’s not clear when. And Camden has other brands in Oregon that are not impacted, including the cinnamon-roll concept Kinnamōns and Baes Chicken.
Boxer officials did not respond to requests for more information.
Camden is a prolific restaurateur in Portland who was once married to and partnered with Blue Star Donuts founder Katie Poppe. Together they launched Little Big Burger, which was later sold to Chanticleer Holdings, as well as Boxer Ramen. When they split, Camden took Boxer and Poppe kept Blue Star Donuts.
Boxer and SuerDeluxe reportedly received debtor-in-possession funding from Angelo Lombardi, president of Nashville, Tenn.-based Comfort Food Group, who initially loaned the company $300,000 to be split between the two brands, according to Willamette Week in late February.
Lombardi did not immediately respond to press requests.
Boxer is among a growing number of chains that have sought, or are rumored to be considering, bankruptcy protection, including Oberweis Dairy, Tijuana Flats and Sticky’s. Earlier in April, the retail-restaurant hybrid Foxtrot and Dom’s shuttered all locations.
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