Upscale grocery chains Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen & Market are closing their doors, marking the end of their operation less than a year after the two companies merged to form Outfox Hospitality. The closure affects a total of 33 Foxtrot and two Dom’s locations in cities such as Chicago, Austin, Dallas, and Washington D.C. Despite efforts to explore different options to keep the business running, the companies found no viable solution, leading to the sudden closure of all stores.
Outfox Hospitality called a meeting with employees on Tuesday evening to discuss the next steps for the company, which employs around 1,000 workers, with approximately 100 full-time employees in Chicago alone. The closure of the grocery stores was unexpected, with some locations reportedly giving away free wine to customers while others shut down in the middle of operating hours. When asked about the reason behind the closure, employees at Foxtrot’s Chicago locations remained tight-lipped, refusing to disclose any information regarding the decision. Foxtrot, which has a total of 15 stores in the city, did not provide a comment in response to requests for clarification.
The closure of Foxtrot and Dom’s comes as a surprise, considering that Foxtrot had raised a significant amount of funding in early 2022, securing $100 million in series C funding and later receiving $18.6 million in debt financing to support the opening of new locations. The merger between the two grocers was announced in late 2021, with Outfox established as the parent company under CEO Liz Williams. However, Williams exited her role in February, being succeeded by Rob Twyman as the new CEO effective March 11. Foxtrot and Dom’s were known for their focus on locally sourced foods, organic products, wine curation, and restaurant stalls.
The sudden closure of Foxtrot and Dom’s locations has left customers and employees in shock, with many expressing confusion and disappointment over the decision. The unexpected shutdown has raised concerns about the future of the upscale grocery chains and the impact on the communities they served. Customers who frequented Foxtrot and Dom’s locations for their unique offerings and high-quality products are now left without their preferred shopping destinations. The closure of these stores has also highlighted the challenges faced by businesses in the grocery industry, especially in a competitive market with shifting consumer preferences and economic uncertainties.
As the news of Foxtrot and Dom’s closures spreads, industry experts are analyzing the factors that may have contributed to the downfall of these once-popular grocery chains. Questions are being raised about the sustainability of their business models, the impact of the merger on their operations, and the potential missteps that led to their abrupt closure. Customers, employees, and stakeholders are seeking answers and clarity on the circumstances surrounding the shutdown, as they come to terms with the end of an era for Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen & Market. Despite the challenges faced by these upscale grocery chains, their legacy and impact on the industry are likely to be remembered by those who supported and patronized them over the years.
