Foxtrot, a popular coffee shop and boutique grocery chain, suddenly shut down all its 33 locations on Tuesday, forcing some customers to leave before receiving their orders. The closures affected stores in Illinois, Texas, and Washington, DC.
Sudden Shutdown Surprises Staff and Customers
In a shocking turn, the Foxtrot coffee shop and boutique grocery chain abruptly closed all 33 locations, leaving customers and employees stunned. Some patrons were even asked to leave while still waiting for their orders.
A TikTok user, identifying as a Foxtrot employee in Chicago, captured the moment employees were informed about the company's immediate nationwide shutdown.
Under the username @sadkiwigirl, she posted a video with the caption, "Found out two hours before that our company was closing nationwide! Does anyone know how to file for unemployment?" It was just after 10 a.m. when the staff received instructions to close the store by noon.
The video revealed the employees' surprise and confusion as they faced the daunting task of informing a café full of customers about the closure.
The final clip showed the last customer leaving and the staff placing a "Closed for good" sign on the door. Despite this, people still attempted to enter the store.
Isabella Latuso was asked to leave abruptly while waiting for her order at a Texas Foxtrot location. "It was shocking because we were given no notice," Latuso told local Fox affiliate KDFW.
A farewell note on the door read, "Dear Knox neighbors, we are so sorry to close the doors effective immediately. We will miss you all."
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On X, formerly known as Twitter, customers voiced their frustrations. Ben Crew described a scene where a customer lamented losing a free drink in disbelief. Another posted a photo of an abandoned counter with an unfinished drink and almond milk left out.
Foxtrot released a statement explaining the closure: "Despite exhaustive efforts, no viable options to continue the business were found. We deeply regret this sudden decision and the inconvenience it may cause our loyal customers and dedicated team members."
Former Foxtrot Workers Demand Severance Pay
CBS News reported that former employees of the recently closed Foxtrot Market are demanding accountability from its parent company, Outfox Hospitality. They are seeking 60 days of severance pay after being abruptly laid off.
Arise Chicago, a workers' rights group, has filed charges with the Illinois Department of Labor on behalf of the workers, alleging that Outfox did not provide the legally required 60-day layoff notice.
The laid-off workers expressed shock and frustration at a rally outside the company's Pilsen commissary. "They will not be outfoxed, they are not giving up, and they are here to ask what is owed to them," stated Jose Uribe, an organizer with Arise Chicago.
The employees responsible for preparing foods sold at Foxtrot stores were blindsided just hours before the public announcement that the stores would close permanently.
They have also initiated a federal lawsuit against Outfox, claiming violations of state and federal layoff notification laws and seeking 60 days of severance pay and benefits for the affected workers.
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