Elephants Delicatessen Announced New Portland Location
The deli has secured a spot in the Uptown Shopping Center following the destruction of its previous flagship site.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Elephants Delicatessen has announced a new restaurant location in Northwest Portland at 13 NW 23rd Place. The move follows the destruction of the brand's original flagship store on Northwest 22nd Avenue during a fire this past March.
Why it matters
The opening marks a major recovery for the local culinary staple after arson forced the closure of its longtime shop. The transition coincides with an ownership shift that brought The Ground into a majority stake of the company.
The new restaurant will occupy a space in the Uptown Shopping Center, replacing the previous flagship location that served customers since 2004. Frank Foti has taken over as CEO, overseeing a partnership network that includes 40 local businesses.
The players
Elephants Delicatessen
This established culinary business is a prominent food and deli operator based in the Portland area.
The Ground
Based in Carlton, this organization operates as a farm and hospitality company.
Frank Foti
He is the newly appointed CEO of Elephants Delicatessen who signed the agreement to take over majority shares.
Henry Hillman
He served as the majority stakeholder for Elephants Delicatessen for more than four years before the recent sale.
Martin McClanan
He remains the president of Elephants Delicatessen during this ownership and operational transition.
The details
The Ground has acquired majority shares of Elephants Delicatessen from Henry Hillman, who served as the majority stakeholder for over four years. Martin McClanan will continue his role as president of the company while operations shift to the new facility.
Timeline
The former flagship deli opened in 2004.
A fire destroyed the flagship location on March 10, 2026.
The suspect received a six-month jail sentence in May 2026.
The company announced the new location on October 7, 2026.
The new restaurant is expected to open in early 2027.
Market Landscape
This move reflects a consolidation trend within Portland's local hospitality market as firms like The Ground leverage assets to sustain long-standing regional brands. By relocating to the Uptown Shopping Center, the deli aims to secure its market share against competitors in the competitive Northwest Portland district.
Local customers can anticipate the return of their preferred deli menu items in a new neighborhood setting starting early next year. The ownership change by The Ground is not expected to disrupt current service levels for the 40 local business partners.
The takeaway
The relocation highlights the resilience of established local brands even after significant physical and legal setbacks. Residents should monitor the Uptown Shopping Center for updates regarding the specific opening date in 2027.
Further reading
For more on changes to the local culinary scene, visit Portland Openings & Closings.
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