Boxer Ramen

{{Short description|Chain of ramen restaurants in the U.S. state of Oregon}}{{good article}}

{{Infobox restaurant

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| name = Boxer

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| image = File:Boxer Ramen (Portland, Oregon).jpg

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| image_caption = Guests dining in the original Boxer Ramen restaurant in January 2014

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| established = {{Start date and age|2013|11|01}}

| closed = {{End date and age|2024|04|28}}

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Micah Camden
Katie Poppe
Matt Lynch
Chris Thornton

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| food-type = Japanese (ramen)

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| city = Portland; Beaverton

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| state = Oregon

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| website = {{URL|boxerramen.com}}

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Boxer (originally Boxer Ramen) was a small chain of ramen restaurants in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area, in the United States. Micah Camden and Katie Poppe opened the original 30-seat Boxer Raman in downtown Portland in 2013, followed by a second in January 2015. Matt Lynch and Chris Thornton later joined as partners. Boxer Ramen opened third, fourth, and fifth locations in 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively.

All of the restaurants closed temporarily in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Two of the outposts were converted into other restaurants operated in part by Camden, and two reopened in 2022 and were rebranded as Boxer.{{Cite news |last=Prewitt |first=Andi |date=February 15, 2022 |title=Boxer Ramen Has Reopened After Nearly Two Years and Rebranded as Simply "Boxer" |work=Willamette Week |url=https://www.wweek.com/restaurants/2022/02/15/boxer-ramen-has-reopened-after-nearly-two-years-and-rebranded-as-simply-boxer/ |access-date=December 3, 2023 |archive-date=December 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204062946/https://www.wweek.com/restaurants/2022/02/15/boxer-ramen-has-reopened-after-nearly-two-years-and-rebranded-as-simply-boxer/ |url-status=live }} A third Boxer opened in Beaverton's Cedar Hills Crossing in December 2022. The company declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February 2024. In April, Camden announced plans to close all restaurants permanently after service on April 28.

Description

Boxer (originally Boxer Ramen) was a small chain of fast casual restaurants in the Portland metropolitan area. The original 30-seat ramen shop was located in Union Way,{{cite news |last1=DeJesus |first1=Erin |title=An Epic Look at Portland's Most Anticipated Fall Openings |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2013/8/26/6382089/an-epic-look-at-portlands-most-anticipated-fall-openings |access-date=November 14, 2020 |work=Eater Portland |publisher=Vox Media |date=August 26, 2013 |archive-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011115347/https://pdx.eater.com/2013/8/26/6382089/an-epic-look-at-portlands-most-anticipated-fall-openings |url-status=live }} a multi-use retail "alleyway project" in the space formerly occupied by Red Cap Garage,{{cite news |last1=DeJesus |first1=Erin |title=Plywood Report |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2013/5/13/6435807/plywood-report |access-date=November 14, 2020 |work=Eater Portland |date=May 13, 2013 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115023523/https://pdx.eater.com/2013/5/13/6435807/plywood-report |url-status=live }} in downtown Portland's West End.{{cite news |last1=Korfhage |first1=Matthew |title=Boxer Ramen Plans a 23rd Avenue Location |url=https://www.wweek.com/restaurants/2015/11/12/boxer-ramen-plans-a-23rd-avenue-location/ |access-date=November 14, 2020 |work=Willamette Week |date=November 12, 2015 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115070158/https://www.wweek.com/restaurants/2015/11/12/boxer-ramen-plans-a-23rd-avenue-location/ |url-status=live }} It was described as a "sister restaurant" to Boxer Sushi, opened by Micah Camden in southeast Portland's Hawthorne district in 2012 and closed in September 2014.{{cite news |last1=Beck |first1=Byron |title=Confirmed: Camden to Open Boxer Ramen on Stark Street |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2013/4/24/6444175/confirmed-camden-to-open-boxer-ramen-on-stark-street |access-date=November 14, 2020 |work=Eater Portland |date=April 24, 2013 |author-link=Byron Beck (blogger) |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115023524/https://pdx.eater.com/2013/4/24/6444175/confirmed-camden-to-open-boxer-ramen-on-stark-street |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=DeJesus |first1=Erin |title=Boxer Sushi to Permanently Close September 21 |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2014/9/15/6155733/boxer-sushi-to-permanently-close-september-21 |access-date=November 14, 2020 |work=Eater Portland |date=September 15, 2014 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115023532/https://pdx.eater.com/2014/9/15/6155733/boxer-sushi-to-permanently-close-september-21 |url-status=live }} Portland Monthly said of the original location's atmosphere and interior: "Micah Camden's neo-pop noodle house looks like a ramen shop designed by Lucky Peach magazine. Wu-Tang Clan bumps from the sound system and an entire wall is clad in a mural of three cute but devilish Japanese girls hovering over a chicken, pig, or tuna leaping from a ramen bowl."{{cite journal |title=Boxer Ramen |url=https://www.pdxmonthly.com/restaurants/boxer-ramen |journal=Portland Monthly |access-date=November 14, 2020 |archive-date=November 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121102645/https://www.pdxmonthly.com/restaurants/boxer-ramen |url-status=live }}

Three additional locations opened. Their interiors featured pop art decor.{{cite news |last1=Bamman |first1=Mattie John |title=Boxer Ramen 4.0 Opens Tomorrow With Free Ramen |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2017/11/29/16715308/boxer-ramen-east-burnside-opening-pdx-portland |access-date=November 14, 2020 |work=Eater Portland |date=November 29, 2017 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115023528/https://pdx.eater.com/2017/11/29/16715308/boxer-ramen-east-burnside-opening-pdx-portland |url-status=live }} The restaurant on Albert Street features "utilitarian plywood decor" and umbrellas hanging from the ceiling,{{cite news |last1=Centoni |first1=Danielle |title=Look Inside the New Boxer Ramen on NE Alberta |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2015/1/22/7872953/inside-northeast-boxer-ramen-on-ne-alberta#0 |access-date=November 15, 2020 |work=Eater Portland |date=January 22, 2015 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115173201/https://pdx.eater.com/2015/1/22/7872953/inside-northeast-boxer-ramen-on-ne-alberta |url-status=live }} an alley spray-painted gold, and a mural described as "drawings of animal-people eating bowls of animal-people, like an anime episode of BoJack Horseman". Alexander Basek of Food & Wine said of the interior: "Boxer's generous use of hot pink and unfinished plywood for decor bestows Boxer's small interior with a work-in-progress vibe."{{cite journal |last1=Basek |first1=Alexander |title=What It's Like to Eat Six Bowls of Ramen in a Single Day |journal=Food & Wine |date=May 26, 2017 |url=https://www.foodandwine.com/pasta-noodles/asian-noodles/ramen-noodles/eat-six-bowls-ramen-in-single-day |access-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115173132/https://www.foodandwine.com/pasta-noodles/asian-noodles/ramen-noodles/eat-six-bowls-ramen-in-single-day |url-status=live }}

The original restaurant accepted cash only and did not offer take-out containers, as of 2013.{{cite news |last1=DeJesus |first1=Erin |title=A Knockout at Boxer Ramen; Tale of Two Bar Gimmicks |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2013/12/16/6312955/a-knockout-at-boxer-ramen-tale-of-two-bar-gimmicks |access-date=November 14, 2020 |work=Eater Portland |date=December 16, 2013 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115023528/https://pdx.eater.com/2013/12/16/6312955/a-knockout-at-boxer-ramen-tale-of-two-bar-gimmicks |url-status=live }}

=Menu=

When it opened, Boxer Ramen's menu featured noodle soups with noodles made by Sun Noodle Company and two types of broth: spicy miso and tonkotsu-shoyu.{{cite news |last1=DeJesus |first1=Erin |title=Inside Micah Camden's West End Hotness Boxer Ramen |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2013/10/31/6340487/inside-micah-camdens-west-end-hotness-boxer-ramen |access-date=November 14, 2020 |work=Eater Portland |date=October 31, 2013 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115023524/https://pdx.eater.com/2013/10/31/6340487/inside-micah-camdens-west-end-hotness-boxer-ramen |url-status=live }} Within a year, two additional ramen options were added: shiitake, featuring a mushroom-pork bone dashi, and vegetarian yellow curry, with coconut milk, corn, stock, and tofu. Other soup ingredients included pork belly, scallions, and soft poached eggs.{{cite news |last1=Centoni |first1=Danielle |title=Boxer Ramen Celebrates Anniversary Nov. 1 With Half-Price Bowls |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2014/10/27/7024515/boxer-ramen-celebrates-anniversary-with-half-off-ramen |access-date=November 14, 2020 |work=Eater Portland |date=October 27, 2014 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115023532/https://pdx.eater.com/2014/10/27/7024515/boxer-ramen-celebrates-anniversary-with-half-off-ramen |url-status=live }} Rotating side dishes included Japanese pickles, ohitashi spinach salads, okonomiyaki tater tots, pork belly buns and pot stickers. Mochi ice cream shipped from Bubbies in Honolulu was available for dessert; flavors included passion fruit. The fourth Boxer Ramen location added a bowl with short ribs to the menu, along with cocktails, including a Moscow mule and yuzu-infused gin and tonic.

History

=Original restaurant=

File:Union Way, PDX, 2016.jpg

Micah Camden announced plans to open Boxer Ramen in April 2013. In August, he and co-owner Katie Poppe confirmed plans to open in late September, but there were some delays while the restaurant offered "soft openings" and "test dinners". October 9 was later announced as the opening date,{{cite news |last1=DeJesus |first1=Erin |title=Boxer Ramen Sets Opening Date; Brunch at Ataula |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2013/9/9/6374147/boxer-ramen-sets-opening-date-brunch-at-ataula |access-date=November 14, 2020 |work=Eater Portland |date=September 9, 2013 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115023527/https://pdx.eater.com/2013/9/9/6374147/boxer-ramen-sets-opening-date-brunch-at-ataula |url-status=live }} but this was pushed back to November 1.{{cite news |last1=DeJesus |first1=Erin |title=Boxer Ramen Sets Official Opening Date: November 1 |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2013/10/23/6347281/boxer-ramen-sets-official-opening-date-november-1 |access-date=November 14, 2020 |work=Eater Portland |date=October 23, 2020 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115023533/https://pdx.eater.com/2013/10/23/6347281/boxer-ramen-sets-official-opening-date-november-1 |url-status=live }} Boxer Ramen hosted a "ramen free-for-all" on October 31, offering guests bowls at no cost from noon to 3:00 pm. The restaurant celebrated its first anniversary by offering half-price bowls from noon to 9:00 pm on November 1, 2014.

=Subsequent locations=

File:Boxer Ramen logo.jpg

Boxer Ramen opened a second location in northeast Portland's Vernon neighborhood, at the intersection of 21st Avenue and Albert Street in the Alberta Arts District,{{cite news |last1=Mesh |first1=Aaron |title=Boxer Ramen |url=https://www.wweek.com/restaurants/2016/03/22/boxer-ramen-2/ |access-date=November 14, 2020 |work=Willamette Week |date=March 22, 2016 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116180032/https://www.wweek.com/restaurants/2016/03/22/boxer-ramen-2/ |url-status=live }} in January 2015. Camden and Poppe had applied for a liquor license by November 2014.{{cite news |last1=Bakall |first1=Samantha |title=Boxer Ramen opening second location in Northeast Portland |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2014/11/boxer_ramen_opening_second_loc.html |access-date=November 14, 2020 |work=The Oregonian |date=November 14, 2014 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115070138/https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2014/11/boxer_ramen_opening_second_loc.html |url-status=live }} The opening kicked off with a ramen bowl giveaway on January 22, and the restaurant initially operated from noon to 10:00 pm. It closed at 9:00 pm on all evenings, as of 2016.

The soft launch for the third restaurant, housed in a space previously occupied by the Two Tarts Bakery at the intersection of Northwest 23rd Avenue and Kearney Street, in the city's Northwest District,{{cite news |last1=Walsh |first1=Chad |title=Boxer Ramen Softly Opens Today in the Alphabet District |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2016/3/25/11299998/boxer-ramen-opens-in-alphabet-district-portland-restaurant#0 |access-date=November 14, 2020 |work=Eater Portland |date=March 25, 2016 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115023532/https://pdx.eater.com/2016/3/25/11299998/boxer-ramen-opens-in-alphabet-district-portland-restaurant |url-status=live }} was held on March 25, 2016. Camden and Poppe had applied for a liquor license for the restaurant by November 2015, and were joined by new co-owner Matt Lynch. Similar to the promotional giveaway for the original location, Boxer Ramen offered free ramen bowls on site from 4:00 pm–7:00 pm.{{cite news |last1=June |first1=Sophia |title=You Can Get Free Ramen and Coffee in Portland Right Now |url=https://www.wweek.com/restaurants/2016/03/25/tired-and-hungry-go-get-free-ramen-and-coffee/ |access-date=November 14, 2020 |work=Willamette Week |date=March 25, 2016 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115070158/https://www.wweek.com/restaurants/2016/03/25/tired-and-hungry-go-get-free-ramen-and-coffee/ |url-status=live }} The Northwest District restaurant has a 28-seat dining area with an additional 8-seat counter. It offers a similar menu as the first two locations, operating from noon–9:00 pm on weekdays and from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm on weekends, as of 2016.

The trio opened a fourth location along East Burnside Street on December 1, 2017, slightly later than the previously announced opening date of October 15.{{cite news |last1=Bamman |first1=Mattie John |title=The 11 Most Anticipated Restaurants in Portland, Fall 2017 |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2017/8/23/16141560/best-new-restaurants-portland-opening |access-date=November 15, 2020 |work=Eater Portland |date=August 23, 2017 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115173158/https://pdx.eater.com/2017/8/23/16141560/best-new-restaurants-portland-opening |url-status=live }} Boxer Ramen hosted a similar on-site ramen giveaway on November 30. The 40-seat restaurant had a slightly expanded menu, cocktails, and happy hour from 10:00 m to midnight on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.{{cite news |title=Eat Boxer Ramen for free tomorrow to celebrate new Burnside location |url=https://katu.com/news/local/eat-boxer-ramen-for-free-tomorrow-to-celebrate-new-location-opening |access-date=November 14, 2020 |publisher=KATU |date=November 29, 2017 |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109025908/https://katu.com/news/local/eat-boxer-ramen-for-free-tomorrow-to-celebrate-new-location-opening |url-status=live }} The restaurant was the largest of the Boxer Ramen locations.{{cite news |last1=Russell |first1=Michael |title=Portland restaurant and bar news: 10 things you need to know this week |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2017/07/portland_restaurant_news.html |access-date=November 15, 2020 |work=The Oregonian |date=July 24, 2017 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115175042/https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2017/07/portland_restaurant_news.html |url-status=live }}

Plans for a fifth location in the Westmoreland,{{cite news |last1=Jackson-Glidden |first1=Brooke |title=Baes Fried Chicken Is Coming to Westmoreland |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2020/7/1/21309504/baes-fried-chicken-opening-second-location-westmoreland |access-date=November 14, 2020 |work=Eater Portland |date=July 1, 2020 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115173208/https://pdx.eater.com/2020/7/1/21309504/baes-fried-chicken-opening-second-location-westmoreland |url-status=live }} district of southeast Portland's Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood were confirmed in 2018.{{cite news |last1=Walsh |first1=Chad |title=Boxer Ramen is Opening a New Location in Sellwood-Moreland |url=https://www.portlandmercury.com/blogtown/2018/01/17/19611067/boxer-ramen-is-opening-a-fourth-noodle-spot-in-sellwood |access-date=November 15, 2020 |work=Portland Mercury |date=January 17, 2018 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115173204/https://www.portlandmercury.com/blogtown/2018/01/17/19611067/boxer-ramen-is-opening-a-fourth-noodle-spot-in-sellwood |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Sottile |first1=Leah |title=Other Portland Chefs Want to Make Food Into Art. Micah Camden Makes Money. |url=https://www.wweek.com/culture/2018/10/24/other-portland-chefs-want-to-make-food-into-art-micah-camden-makes-money/ |access-date=November 14, 2020 |work=Willamette Week |date=October 24, 2018 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115072415/https://www.wweek.com/culture/2018/10/24/other-portland-chefs-want-to-make-food-into-art-micah-camden-makes-money/ |url-status=live }} In January 2018, Portland Mercury said construction had recently begun on the 32-seat restaurant and anticipated a start by the summer season.

Boxer Ramen supported Family Meal, a nonprofit organization supporting "food service and agricultural workers in need in a medical debt crisis", as of 2019.{{cite news |last1=Jackson-Glidden |first1=Brooke |title=A New Nonprofit Will Help Food Service Workers Survive Medical Debt Emergencies |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2019/10/17/20918061/family-meal-nonprofit-medical-debt-relief-food-service-restaurant-agricultural-workers |access-date=November 15, 2020 |work=Eater Portland |date=October 17, 2019 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115173148/https://pdx.eater.com/2019/10/17/20918061/family-meal-nonprofit-medical-debt-relief-food-service-restaurant-agricultural-workers |url-status=live }} In addition to Camden, Poppe, and Lynch,{{cite news |last1=Acker |first1=Lizzy |title=New Portland drive-thru from Little Big Burger alums plans to be open from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/life_and_culture/erry-2018/06/70bc6ec0967193/new_portland_drivethru_from_li.html |access-date=November 15, 2020 |work=The Oregonian |date=June 15, 2018 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115173148/https://www.oregonlive.com/life_and_culture/erry-2018/06/70bc6ec0967193/new_portland_drivethru_from_li.html |url-status=live }} Chris Thornton was named a co-owner of Boxer Ramen in 2020.{{cite news |last1=Frane |first1=Alex |title=SE Ankeny Just Got a Retro Sandwich Shop |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2020/1/28/21110995/snappys-sandwich-shop-ankeny-boxer-ramen |access-date=November 15, 2020 |work=Eater Portland |date=January 28, 2020 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115173203/https://pdx.eater.com/2020/1/28/21110995/snappys-sandwich-shop-ankeny-boxer-ramen |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Russell |first1=Michael |title=Our 2017 Restaurant of the Year's imminent expansion, a Portland brunch favorite's strange saga, plus all the big restaurant news for February 2020 |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2020/02/our-2017-restaurant-of-the-years-imminent-expansion-a-portland-brunch-favorites-strange-saga-plus-all-the-big-restaurant-news-for-february-2020.html |access-date=November 15, 2020 |work=The Oregonian |date=February 6, 2020 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115173135/https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2020/02/our-2017-restaurant-of-the-years-imminent-expansion-a-portland-brunch-favorites-strange-saga-plus-all-the-big-restaurant-news-for-february-2020.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Cottell |first1=Pete |title=Portland Has a Bodega-Themed Bodega With Retro Blazer Posters, Old TVs and Awesome Sandwiches |url=https://www.wweek.com/restaurants/2020/02/25/portland-has-a-bodega-themed-bodega-with-retro-blazer-posters-old-tvs-and-awesome-sandwiches/ |access-date=November 15, 2020 |work=Willamette Week |date=February 25, 2020 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115173135/https://www.wweek.com/restaurants/2020/02/25/portland-has-a-bodega-themed-bodega-with-retro-blazer-posters-old-tvs-and-awesome-sandwiches/ |url-status=live }}

=COVID-19 pandemic, rebrand, and closure=

{{See also|COVID-19 pandemic in Portland, Oregon|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the restaurant industry in the United States}}

When the COVID-19 pandemic prompted Governor Kate Brown to close indoor dining, Camden gave teams at all restaurants the choice of temporary closure or continuing as a take-out service. The Boxer Ramen teams elected to pause operations altogether. In September 2020, Camden said of the closures: "Boxer Ramen has always been one of my favorite restaurants. I have five locations. But nobody in the world orders ramen to go." The Burnside location had closed by August,{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Suzette |title=This Week in Food News: Goodbye Aviary, Welcome Back Red Fox, and What's This About Otter Pops?! |url=https://www.portlandmercury.com/blogtown/2020/08/21/28753781/this-week-in-food-news-goodbye-aviary-welcome-back-red-fox-and-whats-this-about-otter-pops |access-date=November 15, 2020 |work=Portland Mercury |date=August 21, 2020 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115173140/https://www.portlandmercury.com/blogtown/2020/08/21/28753781/this-week-in-food-news-goodbye-aviary-welcome-back-red-fox-and-whats-this-about-otter-pops |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Where to Get Take Out in Portland This Week |url=https://www.wweek.com/restaurants/2020/11/14/where-to-get-take-out-in-portland-this-week/ |access-date=November 14, 2020 |work=Willamette Week |date=November 14, 2020 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115173136/https://www.wweek.com/restaurants/2020/11/14/where-to-get-take-out-in-portland-this-week/ |url-status=live }} and was converted into Rock Paper Fish, a seafood chain by Camden, Craig Peterson, and Ndamukong Suh.{{cite news |last1=Jackson-Glidden |first1=Brooke |title=There's a New Spot for Pacific Northwestern Fish and Chips on East Burnside |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2020/8/17/21372262/rock-paper-fish-portland-opening |access-date=November 15, 2020 |work=Eater Portland |date=August 17, 2020 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115173137/https://pdx.eater.com/2020/8/17/21372262/rock-paper-fish-portland-opening |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Cohen |first1=Jason |title=Micah Camden Goes Fishing With Ndamukong Suh and a Portland Dining Veteran |url=https://www.wweek.com/restaurants/2020/09/30/micah-camden-goes-fishing-with-ndamukong-suh-and-a-portland-dining-veteran/ |access-date=November 14, 2020 |work=Willamette Week |date=September 30, 2020 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115173205/https://www.wweek.com/restaurants/2020/09/30/micah-camden-goes-fishing-with-ndamukong-suh-and-a-portland-dining-veteran/ |url-status=live }} By July,{{cite news |last1=Leonard |first1=Rita A. |title=Fried chicken restaurant opens in Westmoreland |url=https://pamplinmedia.com/sb/75-features/477751-385666-fried-chicken-restaurant-opens-in-westmoreland-pwoff |access-date=November 15, 2020 |work=The Bee |date=August 29, 2020 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115173153/https://pamplinmedia.com/sb/75-features/477751-385666-fried-chicken-restaurant-opens-in-westmoreland-pwoff |url-status=live }} the Sellwood restaurant was converted into a second location for Baes Fried Chicken,{{cite news |title=The Portland Restaurants That Have Permanently Closed During the COVID-19 Pandemic |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2020/5/5/21248144/permanent-closures-covid-19-coronavirus |access-date=November 15, 2020 |work=Eater Portland |date=November 4, 2020 |first1=Brooke |last1=Jackson-Glidden |first2=Alex |last2=Frane |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115173151/https://pdx.eater.com/2020/5/5/21248144/permanent-closures-covid-19-coronavirus |url-status=live }} a fried chicken operation by Camden with Suh. Some Boxer Ramen staff continued to work at the satellite Baes, and new employees were hired as well.File:Portland, Oregon (July 2, 2022) - 144.jpg in July 2022, rebranded as simply Boxer]]In 2022, the Northwest District restaurant reopened at a new location in the Slabtown area. It and the Alberta location were rebranded as simply Boxer. The Slabtown restaurant's menu was expanded to include serving sushi, sashimi, sake, and cocktails.

A third Boxer opened at Cedar Hills Crossing, in Beaverton, on December 2, 2023.{{Cite web |last=Wong |first=Janey |date=2021-01-27 |title=A Guide to Portland's Bar, Restaurant, and Food Cart Openings |url=https://pdx.eater.com/22251525/portland-restaurant-bar-cafe-openings |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2021-04-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429234837/https://pdx.eater.com/22251525/portland-restaurant-bar-cafe-openings |url-status=live }} The outpost's expanded menu includes bento boxes with teriyaki chicken, ahi tuna poke, pork katsu, and kalbi teriyaki. Drinks include saki, craft beer, Orion, and teas.{{Cite web |date=2023-12-12 |title=Beaverton's Cedar Hills Crossing Welcomes Two New Portland Brands: Kinnamōns and Boxer |url=https://www.wweek.com/food/2023/12/11/beavertons-cedar-hills-crossing-welcomes-two-new-portland-brands-kinnamons-and-boxer/ |access-date=2023-12-13 |website=Willamette Week |language=en |archive-date=2023-12-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213013630/https://www.wweek.com/food/2023/12/11/beavertons-cedar-hills-crossing-welcomes-two-new-portland-brands-kinnamons-and-boxer/ |url-status=live }}

In February 2024, Boxer declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing heavy debt caused from the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web |date=February 29, 2024 |title=SuperDeluxe and Boxer File for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy |url=https://www.wweek.com/restaurants/news-restaurants/2024/02/29/superdeluxe-and-boxer-file-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy/ |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=Willamette Week |language=en |archive-date=February 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229202127/https://www.wweek.com/restaurants/news-restaurants/2024/02/29/superdeluxe-and-boxer-file-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy/ |url-status=live }} Two months later, Camden announced plans to close all Boxer restaurants permanently after service on April 28, citing the pandemic and inflation as reasons.{{Cite web |last=Jackson-Glidden |first=Brooke |date=2024-04-26 |title=Boxer Will Close All of Its Portland Ramen Shops After Service This Weekend |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2024/4/26/24141548/boxer-ramen-closing-portland |access-date=2024-04-27 |website=Eater Portland |language=en |archive-date=2024-04-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426172345/https://pdx.eater.com/2024/4/26/24141548/boxer-ramen-closing-portland |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2024-04-29 |title=Portland ramen chain Boxer Ramen abruptly closes its locations after bankruptcy filing |url=https://www.nrn.com/finance/portland-ramen-chain-boxer-ramen-abruptly-closes-its-locations-after-bankruptcy-filing |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=Nation's Restaurant News |language=en |archive-date=2024-08-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240826171612/https://www.nrn.com/finance/portland-ramen-chain-boxer-ramen-abruptly-closes-its-locations-after-bankruptcy-filing |url-status=live }} In August 2024, a group of Boxer employees announced plans to launch Fat Kitty Ramen in two former Boxer locations.{{Cite journal |last=Spencer |first=Malia |date=August 26, 2024 |title=Boxer Ramen alums back with new restaurants |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2024/08/26/boxer-ramen-alums-back-with-fat-kitty-ramen.html |journal=Portland Business Journal |access-date=August 28, 2024 |archive-date=August 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828191734/https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2024/08/26/boxer-ramen-alums-back-with-fat-kitty-ramen.html |url-status=live }} An outpost of the California-based gluten-free bakery Kirari West later operated in the space that had housed the 23rd Avenue location.{{Cite web |last=Roland |first=Rebecca |date=2024-09-19 |title=One of California’s Best Gluten-Free Bakeries Is Opening in Portland This Fall |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2024/9/19/24249169/kirari-west-gluten-free-bakery-opening-portland-oregon |access-date=2024-11-02 |website=Eater Portland |language=en}}

Reception

Following the opening of the original restaurant, Michael Russell of The Oregonian gave Boxer Ramen a "B" rating and called the restaurant a "small step forward" for the city's ramen scene.{{cite news |last1=Russell |first1=Michael |title=Boxer Ramen a step forward for Portland ramen (review) |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2014/01/boxer_ramen_a_step_forward_for_1.html |access-date=November 14, 2020 |work=The Oregonian |date=January 1, 2014 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115025047/https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2014/01/boxer_ramen_a_step_forward_for_1.html |url-status=live }} He described the tonkotsu broth as "a salty Japanese carbonara" and deemed the dish Portland's best ramen. Russell also called the okonomiyaki tater tots a "cross-cultural stroke of genius".{{cite news |last1=DeJesus |first1=Erin |title=A 'B' Grade for Boxer Ramen; WWeek at Nayar Taqueria |url=https://pdx.eater.com/2014/1/6/6303785/a-b-grade-for-boxer-ramen-wweek-at-nayar-taqueria |access-date=November 14, 2020 |work=Eater Portland |date=January 6, 2014 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115023532/https://pdx.eater.com/2014/1/6/6303785/a-b-grade-for-boxer-ramen-wweek-at-nayar-taqueria |url-status=live }} He later included Boxer in the newspaper's list of the 21 "most painful" restaurant and bar closures of 2024.{{Cite web |last=Russell |first=Michael |date=2024-12-21 |title=Portland’s 21 most painful restaurant and bar closures of 2024 |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2024/12/portlands-21-most-painful-restaurant-and-bar-closures-of-2024.html |access-date=2025-01-05 |website=The Oregonian |language=en}} Willamette Week{{'}}s Martin Cizmar said Boxer Ramen "delivers quick, hard jabs" and called the restaurant Camden's "greatest creation yet" (in addition to Boxer Sushi, his other projects have included Blue Star Donuts and Little Big Burger). Portland Monthly said the spicy red miso ramen "has addictive potential" and recommends the passion fruit mochi, described as "creamy and softly fruity, a Dreamsicle reborn".

The Oregonian{{'}}s Samantha Bakall wrote, "The hip, Southwest Portland ramen-ya is known for its tonkotsu broth, arguably the best in Portland right now. Boxer was one of our favorite ramen shops of 2014." She also included Boxer Ramen in her 2014 list of "50 great Portland-area restaurants where you and a friend can chow down -- and maybe even have a drink -- for under $50".{{cite news |last1=Bakall |first1=Samantha |title=50 under $50 -- The complete list: Diner 2014 |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/diner-2014/2014/06/diner_2014_50_under_50_--_the.html |access-date=November 14, 2020 |work=The Oregonian |date=June 20, 2014 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115070102/https://www.oregonlive.com/diner-2014/2014/06/diner_2014_50_under_50_--_the.html |url-status=live }} In his review, Ben Waterhouse recommended the pork-bone, shoyu, and tonkotsu broths, and wrote, "nowhere in town offers a bowl more like that you're likely to find after a long night of drinking in Shibuya".{{cite news |last1=Waterhouse |first1=Ben |title=Boxer Ramen (50 under $50) -- Diner 2014 review |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/diner-2014/2014/06/boxer_ramen_diner_2014.html |access-date=November 14, 2020 |work=The Oregonian |date=June 20, 2014 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115070132/https://www.oregonlive.com/diner-2014/2014/06/boxer_ramen_diner_2014.html |url-status=live }}

File:Portland, Oregon (July 2, 2022) - 145 (cropped).jpg

Chris Onstad of the Portland Mercury recommended the tonkotsu-shio ramen in his 2014 review, and complimented the service staff for being "quick, remarkably knowledgable, and friendly to the point of actual charm". He did, however, criticize the restaurant for accepting cash only, and wrote: {{Quote|It is claimed the noodles are brought in from a vaunted purveyor, but I would still like them to be a little more toothsome when first set down. If the same noodle is going to be used in all four dishes, as it is here, it deserves finer tuning. Quantity-wise, I always felt like I ran out three bites shy of satisfaction.{{cite news |last1=Onstad |first1=Chris |title=Boxer Enters the Ring |url=https://www.portlandmercury.com/portland/boxer-enters-the-ring/Content?oid=11668479 |access-date=November 15, 2020 |work=Portland Mercury |date=February 5, 2014 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115173159/https://www.portlandmercury.com/portland/boxer-enters-the-ring/Content?oid=11668479 |url-status=live }}}}

In 2016, Willamette Week staff recommended the Northwest District restaurant during neighborhood visits,{{cite news |title=Nob Hill |url=https://www.wweek.com/finder-2016/2016/08/19/nob-hill/ |access-date=November 14, 2020 |work=Willamette Week |date=August 19, 2016 |archive-date=December 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203231159/https://www.wweek.com/finder-2016/2016/08/19/nob-hill/ |url-status=live }} and Aaron Mesh questioned the Alberta restaurant's relatively early closing time. He wrote, "The puzzling part of a high-gloss take on the Tokyo ramen counter is that it closes at 9 pm. The starter menu ... would be impossibly popular at last call." Furthermore, he opined, "Camden's little big touches remain deft, even as he makes Portland look increasingly like a cartoon." The newspaper's Elise Herron ranked Boxer Ramen number six in her 2019 list of the "seven best places to get tots" in Portland, and wrote, "Seafood lovers will appreciate the fish flake-topped tots with sides of tonkatsu and creamy-spicy sauce."{{cite news |last1=Herron |first1=Elise |title=A Ranking of the Seven Best Places to Get Tots in Portland |url=https://www.wweek.com/restaurants/2019/11/05/tots/ |access-date=November 14, 2020 |work=Willamette Week |date=November 5, 2019 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115072547/https://www.wweek.com/restaurants/2019/11/05/tots/ |url-status=live }} Boxer Ramen won in the "best ramen" category in Willamette Week{{'s}} 2016 "Best of Portland Readers' Poll",{{cite news |title=Best of Portland Reader's Poll 2016: The Complete List of Winners |url=https://www.wweek.com/promotions/2016/07/18/bop2016/ |access-date=November 15, 2020 |work=Willamette Week |date=July 18, 2016 |archive-date=January 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106055341/https://www.wweek.com/promotions/2016/07/18/bop2016/ |url-status=live }} and was runner-up in 2017 and 2020.{{cite news |last1=Kilts |first1=Alie |title=Here are the Winners of the Best of Portland Readers' Poll 2017 |url=https://www.wweek.com/promotions/2017/02/16/best-of-portland-readers-poll-2017/ |access-date=November 15, 2020 |work=Willamette Week |date=July 12, 2017 |archive-date=January 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106055250/https://www.wweek.com/promotions/2017/02/16/best-of-portland-readers-poll-2017/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Food, Drink, Restaurants: Congratulations to the winners + finalists of Best of Portland Readers' Poll 2020 |url=https://www.wweek.com/promotions/2020/07/21/food-drink-restaurants/ |access-date=November 15, 2020 |work=Willamette Week |date=July 21, 2020 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115173206/https://www.wweek.com/promotions/2020/07/21/food-drink-restaurants/ |url-status=live }} Portland Mercury{{'s}} Jenni Moore wrote in 2019, "Boxer Ramen's cool little space on Alberta has purposely exposed-but-glossed-over plywood walls, some pleasant mural art, and an only slightly alarming taxidermy raccoon riding in a canoe... They get extra points for bumping rap from the likes of Big K.R.I.T. and 2Pac, because yes, hip-hop does make my plant-based ramen more enjoyable."{{cite news |last1=Moore |first1=Jenni |title=The Herbivore's (Ramen) Dilemma |url=https://www.portlandmercury.com/eat-and-drink-guide-spring-2019/2019/04/22/26363293/the-herbivores-ramen-dilemma |access-date=November 14, 2020 |work=Portland Mercury |date=April 22, 2019 |archive-date=November 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113134607/https://www.portlandmercury.com/eat-and-drink-guide-spring-2019/2019/04/22/26363293/the-herbivores-ramen-dilemma |url-status=live }}

Fodor's has described the original location as "often crowded and convivial",{{cite book |title=Fodor's Inside Portland |date=April 7, 2020 |publisher=Fodor's |page=68 |isbn=9781640972513 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Iz_ZDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT68 |access-date=November 14, 2020 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115070138/https://books.google.com/books?id=Iz_ZDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT68&lpg=PT68&dq= |url-status=live }} and Thrillist said: "This place is all about creating a dish, executing it well, and selling it for a decent price in a good environment. Nestled at the front end of Union Way plaza, this place has been the best place to get ramen in Downtown since its opening, and a great place to stop for post-shopping lunch."{{cite web |title=Boxer Ramen |url=https://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/portland/restaurants/boxer-ramen |website=Thrillist |date=5 October 2017 |access-date=November 14, 2020 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115070103/https://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/portland/restaurants/boxer-ramen |url-status=live }} Zagat gives Delta ratings of 4.0 for food, 3.9 for decor, and 4.0 for service, each on a scale of 5. The guide said, "Fans find extreme umami at these no-nonsense Japanese from Micah Camden ... that offer a simple menu of great, rich ramen plus a few side dishes; the compact spaces are not a place to go with groups, but speedy, solicitous service ensures a noodle-icious experience that hits the spot."{{cite web |title=Boxer Ramen |url=https://www.zagat.com/r/boxer-ramen-portland |website=Zagat |access-date=November 14, 2020 |archive-date=October 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008050753/http://www.zagat.com:80/r/boxer-ramen-portland |url-status=dead }}