Elephants Delicatessen closes following a fire. | Elephants Delicatessen NOB HILL – The Northwest 22nd location of Elephants Delicatessen will be “closed for the immediate future” following a fire in the early hours of March 10, an Instagram post from the company shared. No injuries ha ve been reported either. Updates on the reopening timeline will be forthcoming, and in the interim, diners seeking Elephants’ deli sandwiches and soups can find them at the company’s six other locations.  PEARL DISTRICT – República, the celebrated Pearl District concept that racked up endless accolades for its exploratory “Mexico-forward” tasting menus and dishes, had its final service on March 8. Owner Angel Medina first announced the news on January 28 via Substack, setting an initial closing date of February 21, which was pushed out after an outpouring of demand for final bookings. Medina, along with co-owner and partner Olivia Bartruff, shared a lengthy goodbye post thanking the restaurant’s staff for their service and support: “A piece of República will always live in each of you. The doors may close tonight — but what you built here will never disappear.” LAURELHURST – Northeast Sandy watering hole The Shaku Bar announced its impending closure on January 22, posting on Instagram that its lease is up in June and the bar is currently up for sale. As of March 8, they’re still going strong and welcoming customers, so stop by while you can to enjoy its Starfleet Wednesdays whiskey pours and fun events. View this post on Instagram NORTHEAST PORTLAND – Nico’s Ice Cream may be no more? According to Bridgetown Bites’ February 27 Small Bites round-up, the popular New Zealand-style ice cream spot has shuttered its Portland-area (on Northeast Fremont and Northeast Killingsworth) locations for now. However, owner Nico Vergara shared with Eater Portland that he’ll be announcing more information soon, so stay tuned. IRVINGTON – Suul Suul Korean Street Food at 914 Northeast Broadway is closing up shop in its current location and heading across the Columbia to Vancouver. The restaurant shared news of the move on its Instagram on February 24. According to the post, they also appear to be moving into the same space currently occupied by Sool Korean Kitchen. As Bridgetown Bites reported, the two eateries could be joining forces rather than supplanting. Inssa Gastropub will move into the NE Broadway location in April. HAWTHORNE – On February 26, Phaya Thai Express posted on its Instagram that it’s taking a “big pause” and closing down its brick-and-mortar location at 4334 Southeast Hawthorne. The final day of service was February 27. But the post assures followers that this isn’t goodbye; it sounds like there will still be pop-ups and events, like July’s Thai festival, so follow its Instagram to stay updated. Phaya Thai Express created a devoted following with its gluten-free Thai dishes served cafeteria-style for speedy service. KENTON – Presso Coffee Co., a charming, pink-hued cafe known for its speciality drinks, announced the closure of its 2020 N McClellan Street location on January 21. Doors officially closed January 31. However, the cafe still has a location open in Camas. BUCKMAN – An institution in the Portland food scene since 1916, Sheridan Fruit Company shuttered on February 13, a decision prompted by ongoing struggles to weather the post-COVID landscape. While well known for its grocery and wholesale food offerings, it also operated a deli serving soups, sandwiches, salads, and entrees. The company announced the impending closure via Instagram on February 12, prompting a flurry of media coverage and messages from the community. On its site, it shared a parting statement: “Since 1916, it has been our greatest honor to be a part of your kitchens, your holiday traditions, and your daily lives. We have been proud to champion local farmers and serve the city we love for over a century.” NOB HILL – Known for its rotating monthly pop-ups spotlighting different national breweries and beverage producers, Function PDX will be closing its original location at 919 Northwest 23rd by April 1. Opened in 2017, the taproom’s closure wraps up nearly a decade in the space, which started as a downstairs bar before expanding to the building’s second level in 2024. Luckily for regulars, the Northeast Alberta location will remain open. ...read more read less