Afuri

In this article, we will explore the different aspects related to Afuri and its impact on contemporary society. From its beginnings to the present, Afuri has played a crucial role in various areas, influencing the way we perceive the world around us. Throughout these pages, we will analyze its evolution, its multiple facets and its relevance in the current context. Through interviews with experts, recent research and concrete examples, we will delve into the universe of Afuri to understand its importance and its possible implications in the future.

Afuri
Restaurant interior in Shinjuku, Tokyo, in 2017
Restaurant information
Established2001
CountryJapan
Exterior of Afuri in Southwest Portland, Oregon, in 2022

Afuri (also known as Afuri Izakaya)[1] is a chain of ramen restaurants, based in Tokyo, Japan. There are locations in Oregon, California,[2] Canada, Hong Kong, Portugal, and Singapore.[3][4]

History

The original noodle shop opened at the base of Mount Afuri in 2001. Founder Hiroto Nakamura partnered with Taichi Ishizuki to open a location in southeast Portland's Buckman neighborhood in 2016.[5] Since then, three additional locations have opened in the Portland metropolitan area, in downtown and northwest Portland as well as Beaverton. Afuri USA operates Afuri Izakaya in southeast Portland, Afuri Ramen + Dumpling in Northwest Portland, and Afuri Ramen + Dumpling in Beaverton.[3] Afuri USA is owned by Taichi Ishizuki. According to Portland Business Journal, the Portland locations are corporate-owned by Ishizuki, who has franchised outposts in Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, and Vancouver and co-owns two locations in Portugal. There are two locations in Hong Kong and one in Singapore.[3]

In 2020, plans were announced to expand into northwest Portland.[6] The restaurant opened in the Northwest District's Slabtown district in 2022.[7][8] The location at 50 Southwest 3rd Avenue, called Afuri Kara Kurenai, closed permanently in January 2025.[9]

Reception

Afuri Izakaya won in the Best Ramen category of Willamette Week's annual 'Best of Portland' readers' poll in 2022 and 2024.[10][11]

See also

References

  1. ^ Hamilton, Katherine Chew (October 19, 2021). "11 Must-Try Portland Sushi Spots". Portland Monthly. Archived from the original on October 20, 2021. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  2. ^ Tsai, Luke (November 4, 2019). "Afuri Brings Its Acclaimed, Citrus-Scented Ramen to Cupertino". Eater SF. Archived from the original on December 13, 2019. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c "Downtown Portland ramen restaurant closes". Portland Business Journal. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  4. ^ Prewitt, Andi (October 12, 2021). "Afuri Will Open a New Portland Slabtown Area Restaurant in 2022". Willamette Week. Archived from the original on October 12, 2021. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
  5. ^ Bamman, Mattie John (November 23, 2016). "11 Things to Know About Afuri Ramen Before You Go". Eater Portland. Archived from the original on June 9, 2021. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
  6. ^ Jackson-Glidden, Brooke (February 20, 2020). "Japanese Ramen Brand Afuri Continues Portland Expansion With Future Slabtown Spot". Eater Portland. Archived from the original on October 13, 2021. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
  7. ^ Jackson-Glidden, Brooke (May 17, 2022). "Inside Afuri's New Ramen Manufactory and Restaurant in Portland's Slabtown Neighborhood". Eater Portland. Archived from the original on May 17, 2022. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
  8. ^ Russell, Michael (May 18, 2022). "Afuri opens Slabtown 'ramen lab,' NOLA Doughnuts returns to Beaverton, more restaurant news for May". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on May 18, 2022. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  9. ^ "Afuri's Ramen Restaurant in Old Town Has Closed". Willamette Week. January 9, 2025. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  10. ^ "Food Winners". Willamette Week. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  11. ^ "2024 Best of Portland Readers' Poll: Food". Willamette Week. Retrieved January 10, 2025.