Foxtrot Market readies for comeback
CHICAGO — Four months after stunning industry observers, staff and customers by closing all of its locations, Foxtrot announced that it making its official comeback.
According to the July 20th post on the official Foxtrot Instagram, the revival is being let by a group Foxtrot team members who have vowed to stay true to the company's roots.
"The decision to shut down Foxtrot, and to do it so abruptly, was not ours," the post said. "We believe the old Foxtrot lost its way. In the unnecessary race to be the biggest, it lost sight of why it started in the first place."
In April, just months after the November 2023 merger between Foxtrot Market (founded in Chicago in 2014) and Dom’s Kitchen & Market (founded in Chicago in 2021) the business announced the closure of all locations in and around Chicago, Dallas, Austin and Washington, D.C.
Dom's and Foxtrot investors were informed the morning of April 23rd that parent company Outfox Hospitality was shutting down, as were all locations.
A Facebook post said: "It is with a heavy heart that we must inform you of a difficult decision we have had to make. After much consideration and evaluation, we regret to announce that Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen & Market will be closing their doors starting on April 23, 2024. The closure affects two Dom’s stores and 33 Foxtrots across Chicago, Austin, Dallas, DC areas. We explored many avenues to continue the business but found no viable option despite good faith and exhaustive efforts. This decision has not been made lightly, and we understand the impact it will have on you, our loyal customers, as well as our dedicated team members. We want to express our sincerest gratitude for your support and patronage throughout the years. It has been our highest honor to elevate the everyday and create a remarkable shopping experience for people who love food as much as we do. It has been a privilege serving you and being a part of your everyday lives."
Rob Twyman took over as CEO of Outfox Hospitality on March 11, succeeding Liz Williams, who had served as CEO of Foxtrot since April 2023 and was named Outfox Hospitality CEO in November 2023, when two retailers merged.
In June 2024, two months after Outfox closed abruptly, Foxtrot announced it would return, then proceeded to acquire assets and some locations in the wake of the Outfox bankruptcy.
Now, plans appear to be taking shape, according to the vague Instagram post: "This Foxtrot is about returning to our roots, endlessly searching for the best products where others can’t or won’t look, and being the first 'yes' to small makers so we can help them to get noticed and prosper."
At the same time, the new Foxtrot team acknowledged it would take time and effort to re-engage staff and customers to rebuild trust and the business.
"We can’t make everything right from the past, and we know there’s work to be done. But we also know opening our doors again is the best way to provide the most opportunities for all."
While no dates have been confirmed, at least location is: "This is the original Foxtrot and we look forward to serving you soon."
