Business Details
47 Years
experience
Your Trusted Catering & Gourmet Deli in Portland Since 1979
Since 1979, Elephants Delicatessen has been a cornerstone of Portland's culinary scene, pioneering gourmet food innovations and fostering a culture of exceptional hospitality. Our journey began with a vision to introduce fresh pasta, artisanal cheeses, and ready-to-go meals to a city hungry for quality, evolving into a beloved institution known for its commitment to sustainability and community impact. As a certified B Corp, we integrate eco-conscious practices into every aspect of our operations, from sourcing ingredients to reducing waste. Our team of culinary experts brings decades of experience to craft menus that elevate casual gatherings and black-tie events alike, supported by a fleet of locations and a state-of-the-art production facility.We pride ourselves on being the first in Oregon to adopt electric delivery vehicles and on creating memorable experiences through our private event venues, including the Corbett Room and Leftbank Annex. With a legacy of innovationfrom introducing Portland's first pesto sauce to launching gourmet food cartswe continue to redefine catering excellence while staying true to our founding values of unity, excellence, and environmental stewardship.
Services
Full-Service Catering
Corporate Lunch Delivery
Gourmet Gift Boxes
Private Event Venues
Ready-Made Meals
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We have 45 years of culinary innovation and catering expertise in Portland.
- Our B Corp certification reflects our commitment to sustainable business practices.
- We operate a state-of-the-art production facility for consistent food quality.
- Our team creates custom menus for events from casual to black-tie.
- We pioneered Portland's first electric food delivery vehicle program.
Associations and certifications
- B Corp Certified
Services
Full-Service Catering
We provide comprehensive catering solutions for events of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to large-scale galas. Our experienced team handles menu design, logistics, and on-site service with attention to detail. Clients benefit from customizable options ranging from casual buffets to gourmet plated dinners.
Corporate Lunch Delivery
Our corporate lunch program delivers fresh, high-quality meals to workplaces with options including boxed lunches, buffet spreads, and team-building food events. We accommodate dietary preferences while maintaining efficiency for busy office environments across Portland's business districts.
Gourmet Gift Boxes
Curated gift boxes feature our signature artisanal products, including charcuterie, preserves, and baked goods. These nationally shippable gifts showcase Oregon's best flavors with premium packaging options for holidays, corporate gifting, or special occasions.
Private Event Venues
We offer unique venues like the Corbett Room and Leftbank Annex for weddings and special events. Each location provides distinctive ambiance with full-service catering support, combining historic charm with modern amenities for unforgettable celebrations.
Ready-Made Meals
Locally delivered prepared meals combine convenience with gourmet quality, featuring rotating weekly menus of soups, entrees, and sides. Our scratch-made options cater to busy households and individuals seeking restaurant-quality meals at home.
People
Elaine Tanzer
Founder
Founded Elephants Delicatessen in 1979, transforming Portland's food scene with innovative gourmet offerings. Recognized for pioneering specialty food retail and fostering a people-first business culture over four decades of community impact.
Scott Weaver
Executive Chef & Co-Owner
As culinary visionary since the 1980s, he introduced Portland to fresh pasta and artisanal cheeses. Leads menu development and maintains kitchen operations standards across all locations and catering services.
Questions
What types of events can you cater?
We cater all event types from casual office lunches to formal weddings and corporate galas with customizable menus.
Do you offer sustainable food options?
Yes, we prioritize local, seasonal ingredients and maintain B Corp-certified sustainable practices across all operations.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Our menus include vegetarian, gluten-free, and other specialty options with advance notice for all events.
What areas do you deliver to?
We deliver locally within Portland metro and ship gourmet gifts nationally via temperature-controlled packaging.
How far in advance should I book catering?
We require minimum two-day notice for standard orders, with larger events needing earlier reservations.
Do you have gift ordering options?
Yes, our gourmet gift boxes and digital gift cards can be ordered online for local delivery or national shipping.
