Elephants Delicatessen plans to return to Northwest Portland in early 2027, opening at Uptown Shopping Center, 13 N.W. 23rd Place. The site is three blocks from the deli’s longtime home at 115 N.W. 22nd Ave., which was severely damaged by fire in March. The company announced the new location Oct. 7 alongside a leadership and ownership change: The Ground, a Willamette Valley hospitality and regenerative-farming company, has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Elephants from shareholder Henry Hillman. The fire broke out March 10 at the roughly 7,000-square-foot building, constructed in 1947 and home to Elephants’ first location. Portland Fire & Rescue said the fire began outside and spread into the building’s interior and roof. No injuries were reported. Elephants said after the fire that it intended to return to the neighborhood. When the deal closes, The Ground co-founder Frank Foti will become Elephants’ CEO. Current CEO Martin McClanan will remain president and take on a leadership position at The Ground. The companies say the partnership will strengthen Elephants’ connections with Oregon farmers and producers and expand the reach of The Ground’s regenerative agriculture work. The Ground said it intends to keep Elephants locally owned and independently operated. Founded in 1979, Elephants is known for specialty foods, prepared meals, fresh pasta, cheese and catering. It operates six other locations in the Portland metro area, which remain open. The Ground, founded in 2016, operates a 550-acre regenerative farm near Carlton, along with restaurants, catering and event and lodging businesses.