The Ground Acquires Elephants, Plans Portland Return

The Ground, a Willamette Valley farm and hospitality company, has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Elephants Delicatessen from shareholder Henry Hillman. Frank Foti, co-founder of The Ground, will become Elephants' CEO, while Martin McClanan will remain president. Elephants plans to return to Northwest Portland at Uptown Shopping Center in early 2027, blocks from its longtime Northwest 22nd Avenue location destroyed by fire in March. The new restaurant will occupy the space where the deli first operated in 1979 and is planned to have more indoor space and outdoor seating. The partnership is expected to add regenerative farm products, including grass-fed meats and organic vegetables, while retaining popular menu items. No factual disputes appear in the rated coverage. Coverage skew is 1 left, 6 center, 0 right.