Foxtrot, a well-known convenience store chain, has officially responded to speculation about its revival.
After closing numerous locations earlier in the year, rumors have circulated for weeks suggesting that the chain might reopen this summer.
Foxtrot Plans Reopening of 15 Stores
According to a report by Chicago Eater, Foxtrot co-founder Mike LaVitola has indirectly confirmed that around 15 stores are set to reopen. This announcement follows the sudden closure of 33 locations across Illinois, Texas, and Washington, DC, in April.
The convenience store chain, a popular spot for many, had abruptly shut down, surprising employees and customers. This move came on the heels of a merger in November 2023 with Dom's Kitchen & Market to create Outfox Hospitality, aimed at helping Foxtrot with its financial challenges after a series of layoffs.
Unfortunately, the merger did not yield the expected results, leading Outfox Hospitality to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
At the time, Outfox Hospitality issued a statement expressing that despite exhaustive efforts and good faith, they found no viable options to continue operations. They acknowledged that the closures might be shocking and apologized for any inconvenience.
Emotional scenes unfolded in Chicago on April 23 as shoppers and staff gathered to pick up their favorite items for the last time, reported Block Club Chicago. Subsequent days saw closures in Texas and Washington, D.C.
The impact of the closures was profound, with fans expressing their dismay, some noting they had moved to their city just for Foxtrot, and others upset over the lack of prior notice.
Foxtrot employee Kayla Pineda revealed that she was informed of the closures on the morning they happened through a phone call from her manager. She expressed concern for colleagues who depended on Foxtrot as their primary source of income.
According to LaVitola, many former employees like Pineda were contacted regarding their interest in returning to work at the reopening locations. Plans are underway to reopen 15 stores across Illinois and Texas within six to eight weeks, with more than half of these stores in Chicago. No stores are set to reopen in Washington DC, at this time.
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Mixed Reactions to Foxtrot's Planned Reopening
While Foxtrot's upcoming return has delighted many fans and former employees, others remain skeptical and hurt over the company's handling of its closures in April, per The U.S. Sun.
In a Facebook thread, one customer suggested that too much harm had been done to move on, noting that "the damage has been done."
Another expressed outright dismay, labeling the entire ordeal as a sham. A third customer questioned the likelihood of a successful comeback, especially under the same management, wondering who would want to work for them after such a debacle.
Foxtrot's co-founder indirectly communicated his regret about the abrupt layoffs, emphasizing his commitment to supporting the affected staff in the company's new phase and creating opportunities for them.
He said reopening the stores was "the right thing to do."
The design and product lineup at the reopening stores are expected to remain consistent with previous Foxtrot standards.
Speculation has also surfaced about the company's recent developments. It's rumored that a firm associated with the co-founder purchased Foxtrot's assets during an auction on May 10 following the bankruptcy proceedings.
Although not confirmed, it appears that the company is once again under LaVitola's control, and he is determined to restore the Foxtrot experience for customers.
As Foxtrot returns, other closed chains might explore similar opportunities to revive their businesses.
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