The CEO of the restaurant mentioned worries about safety in the downtown area, along with a drop in both tourists and office employees, as the factors behind this decision.
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Fans of the renowned Japanese eatery Afuri will be disappointed to hear that they can no longer enjoy a flavorful bowl of ramen in Old Town. The restaurant has officially announced the immediate and permanent closure of its location at 50 SW 3rd Ave., previously known as AFURI kara kurenai, which showcased the restaurant's signature spice blend.
Taichi Ishizuki, the CEO of Afuri, pointed to several reasons behind the closure of their restaurant, including the ongoing negative views regarding safety in downtown Portland following the pandemic, a downturn in tourism, and elevated office vacancy rates. The establishment had been serving ramen and dumplings in the Old Town area since 2017 but underwent a rebranding to Afuri Kara Kurenai in the summer of 2024. Afuri originally opened its doors in Portland in 2016 at the Buckman location situated at 923 SE 7th Ave.
Ishizuki opened his letter to the Portland community regarding the closure by expressing deep sorrow, emphasizing that the choice was reached after careful consideration and a comprehensive assessment of the difficulties encountered in recent years.
“Ishizuki stated, ‘Despite advancements in public safety, the number of local residents and visitors returning to the area is still quite low.’ After seven remarkable years of serving the Portland community since our establishment in 2017, we have come to the tough decision to shut down our operations. We sincerely thank you for your unwavering support and loyalty throughout the years. It has been a privilege to serve you, bond over our love for ramen, and forge unforgettable memories together.”
Additional Afuri locations in Buckman, Slabtown, and Beaverton continue to operate. Originating from Tokyo, Afuri is a global ramen chain, with Portland being its inaugural site outside of Japan.
