Published October 7, 2026
Elephants Announces Return to NW Portland & Acquisition by The Ground
PORTLAND, OR (October 7th, 2026) – The Ground has signed a definitive agreement with shareholder Henry Hillman to acquire a majority stake in Elephants Delicatessen. Upon closing, Frank Foti, co-founder of The Ground and the former CEO of Vigor Industrial, will serve as the new CEO of Elephants Delicatessen. Former CEO Martin McClanan will continue his service as President of Elephants and will also serve in a leadership role at The Ground.
“Over the last four years, Henry Hillman’s substantial investment in time and capital has helped Elephants expand its retail presence, rapidly grow its sandwich and salad business, and expand its partnerships with New Seasons, Williams-Sonoma, and more than 40 other local businesses,” said Frank Foti, co-founder of The Ground. “Henry’s foresight and investment have produced a great foundation from which The Ground can expand Elephants’ geographical reach and add regenerative offerings to the amazing options already available. The humble and caring culture that exists at Elephants and The Ground are a beautiful fi t, and the chance to serve all of Oregon and SW Washington is an exciting prospect for us all.”
Founded in 1979 as a gourmet pioneer, Elephants Delicatessen introduced Portland to European cheeses, fresh pasta, and ready-to-go meals that helped shape the city’s food culture for generations. Today, it operates six locations across the Portland metro area. The Ground’s acquisition will deepen Elephants’ ties to the region’s growers and makers and give regenerative farming a bigger stage. For The Ground, this acquisition will extend the stewardship it practices on the farm into some of the region’s most beloved gathering places. Rather than a food company buying a farm, this will be a farm buying a food business, in a move that reverses a more common pattern. As a proud Oregon business and investor in other Oregon businesses, The
Ground is committed to keeping Elephants, a homegrown institution, locally owned and independently operated.
After a March 2026 fi re caused significant damage to the NW 22nd Avenue location, the Elephants’ leadership team remained committed to returning to the Northwest Portland neighborhood. In early 2027, Elephants Delicatessen will once again welcome guests in Northwest Portland, with a new location in the Uptown Shopping Center. The Uptown Shopping Center is located at 13 NW 23rd Place, just three blocks from its prior location. While the return to the Uptown Shopping Center is a homecoming for Elephants, the renovated space will offer updates and improvements from Elephants’ first chapter.
“As a longtime customer and admirer of The Ground’s regenerative farming, exceptional ingredients, warm hospitality and thoughtful craftsmanship, I’m delighted to see these two kindred organizations come together. Elephants was built on a foundation of quality, care and hospitality by the Weavers, the Tanzers and generations of dedicated team members, with more recent support from Henry Hillman. By preserving the beloved recipes, traditions and genuine hospitality that have defined Elephants while embracing Ground’s commitment to responsible farming and exceptional food, we have an opportunity to honor that legacy and build upon it. I’m confident that together we can deliver even greater quality, care and deliciousness for generations to come,” said President Martin McClanan.
The Ground is a hospitality ecosystem that supports conscious connections to nature, human nature, and food. Founded by Frank Foti and Brenda Smola-Foti, The Ground began in 2016 as Tabula Rasa Farms, and now includes restaurants and catering outlets led by James Beard Award nominee Chef Sarah Schafer, event venues, retreat centers, regenerative farming and nature-connected accommodations, all centered on land stewardship, hospitality, and community connection. At its heart is the 550-acre farm just outside Carlton, which produces grass-fed, grass-finished beef, heritage pork, pasture-raised eggs, and more than 200 varieties of organically certified vegetables. In 2025, Frank and Brenda made a substantial donation to the James Beard Public Market, exemplifying their personally held belief that Oregon’s ecosystem includes Portland and Portland’s ecosystem is part of Oregon.
Elephants Delicatessen
Elephants Delicatessen has proudly served gourmet food and warm hospitality to the Portland community since 1979, through six restaurant locations, premier catering services, specialty food gifts, and wholesale offerings. Repeatedly and again in 2026, recognized as Portland’s “Best Deli” and “Best Catering Service” by readers of Willamette Week, Elephants Delicatessen has long been a staple in Oregon’s food community. A Certified B Corporation, Elephants Delicatessen values exceptional food and hospitality. Catering, deli, holiday, gift and wholesale information is available at elephantsdeli.com.
The Ground
Rooted in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, The Ground is a hospitality ecosystem built around regenerative agriculture. Founded in 2016 as Tabula Rasa Farms by Frank Foti and Brenda Smola-Foti, it has grown to include a working farm, restaurants and catering led by James Beard Award–nominated chef Sarah Schafer, event venues, retreat centers, and farm stays and nature-connected lodging, all grounded in land stewardship and community connection. At its heart is a 550-acre farm just outside Carlton that produces grass-fed, grass-finished beef, heritage pork, pasture-raised eggs, and more than 200 varieties of certified organic vegetables. The Ground’s holistic approach offers a real-world model for reshaping our food system to support regenerative living, community, and human connection to nature.
The Ground, PO Box 1069 Carlton, OR 97111.
For more information call (503) 765-9544, follow @theground.love or visit theground.love.
I am so excited for your Uptown return! Please let us know where you will be-upstairs or down? YAY!
Exciting news. looking forward to the new locale.
Excellent news for us all! The Ground is an awesome addition to the Elephant’s community.
Wonderful news! You have been missed and loved. Regenerative farming is the very best! Will Elephants Deli label foods that are regeneratively grown? That would be so helpful and encouraging!
Would also love to see Elephants branch into wild salmon, at least one wild salmon offering.
With enthusiasm and gratitude,
Jeanine