Mad Greek Deli Will Close Rock Creek Location
The restaurant will serve its final meal at the West Union Road site on Nov. 28, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Rock Creek diners will soon lose the local outpost of Mad Greek Deli, which the building owner announced is closing following the sale of the property. The restaurant at 18515 N.W. West Union Road is scheduled to serve its final customers on Nov. 28, 2026.
Why it matters
The closure marks the end of a brief return to the area for the deli, which has faced significant economic pressure. Residents of Rock Creek will have to head to the central city to find the restaurant's signature menu items moving forward.
The deli, known for a 10-pound sandwich challenge, concludes a legacy of nearly 50 years of operations. While the Rock Creek site closes, the restaurant's second location remains open.
The players
George Athanasakis
The founder who started Mad Greek Deli in 1977.
Mad Greek Deli
A long-standing Portland restaurant institution known for a 10-pound sandwich challenge.
The details
The building owner confirmed the closure via Facebook, citing the sale of the West Union Road property and ongoing economic challenges. While the Rock Creek location will shutter, the restaurant continues to operate its other site at 1740 E. Burnside St. in Portland. George Athanasakis founded the deli in 1977, though the original iteration closed in 2015 due to rising rents before the 2023 expansion.
Timeline
1977: Founder George Athanasakis started Mad Greek Deli.
2015: The original restaurant closed due to rent increases.
2023: The restaurant returned to the Rock Creek neighborhood.
Nov. 28, 2026: The final day for the West Union Road location.
Beyond the Bridges
This closure repeats the pattern set by the 2015 loss of the original Mad Greek Deli location to rising costs. It highlights the recurring struggle of legacy businesses to maintain stability in a shifting economic landscape.
Rock Creek residents have until Nov. 28, 2026, to visit the West Union Road deli before it shuts its doors permanently. After that date, patrons can still visit the deli at its remaining location on East Burnside St.
The takeaway
Legacy local favorites continue to navigate difficult property transitions in the current economy. Keep an eye on the restaurant's social media for any potential commemorative events leading up to the final day on Nov. 28, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the changing landscape of local eateries, visit Openings & Closings.
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