Foxtrot fans can rejoice as the upscale convenience store and café chain is set to reopen its Gold Coast location on Thursday, September 5. The chain abruptly closed in April due to bankruptcy but announced plans to relaunch more than a dozen former stores by late spring.
Relaunch backed by new investment
After filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, Foxtrot's assets were acquired by New York-based investment firm Further Point Enterprises. Spearheading the relaunch is co-founder and former CEO Mike LaVitola. "Our new coffee and food menus are a true reflection of Foxtrot’s founding principle," said LaVitola in a news release, promising the same quality ingredients and partnerships that initially made Foxtrot popular.
The first location to reopen is at 23 W. Maple Street in the Gold Coast, offering free coffee from 6 to 10 a.m. on opening day. The relaunch includes plans to reopen 11 stores in Chicago and three in Dallas by spring 2025.
What to expect for the relaunch
The new Foxtrot aims to stay true to its roots, maintaining its well-loved offerings such as breakfast tacos and specialty coffees. According toChicago Tribune, the menu will also feature new items like panini sandwiches and salad bowls. The chain has also enlisted various vendors including Metric Coffee, Scribe Wine, and Do-Rite Donuts to enrich its offerings.
Foxtrot's turbulent past includes a rapid expansion, a failed merger with Dom’s Kitchen & Market, and steep growth challenges in a post-pandemic retail landscape. The stores shut down suddenly in April, leaving many employees without notice. Dom’s two locations also closed.
The company’s financial troubles were escalated by aggressive expansion and a subsequent merger to cut overhead costs. However, when funding fell through, the merger failed, resulting in the closure of all 33 Foxtrot locations and two Dom’s locations.
According to Crain’s Chicago Business, the redesigned stores will closely resemble the pre-shutdown layout. "The layout isn’t changing, and the merchandising will be similar," confirmed LaVitola, highlighting the brand's commitment to its original identity.
As customers anticipate the relaunch, LaVitola is optimistic: "Every day, we're committed to making our stores a special part of your day," he said. The endeavor is to rekindle Foxtrot's initial appeal while ensuring sustainable growth and resilience.
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