Foxtrot’s Abrupt Closure May Be Illegal
By • April 25, 2024 0 1291
Foxtrot, the high-end coffee shop and convenience store, suddenly announced midday April 23 that it was permanently closing all of its locations. Employees and customers were stunned by the abrupt closures that no one saw coming.
Founded in 2014 in Chicago, Foxtrot had 33 locations across the Chicago, Austin, Dallas and Washington, D.C., areas — and is now being sued for its April 23 decision.
WUSA9 News reported on the legal action yesterday: “Absolutely ridiculous,” said the attorney bringing the lawsuit, Syed Hussain, of Haseeb Legal, LLC, a plaintiffs litigation firm in Chicago. “Nobody should just go into work, expecting it to be their last day.”
Outfox Hospitality, which is the parent company of Foxtrot and Dom’s Market, is based in Illinois which is why the lawsuit was filed in the Northeast Illinois District of the United States District Court. But Hussain said the federal component will cover former Foxtrot employees in the D.C. area.
“People went into their shift not knowing that they would have to look for a job after they got out of there without having done anything wrong,” Hussain said. “No cause, no justification. People were let go and left holding the bag. So, absolutely jarring.”
“We’re seeking back pay of up to 60 days,” Hussain said, for all employees if the class action is certified. “That’s what the damage is under federal law under the Warren Act.”
The Georgetown Foxtrot at the corner of Wisconsin Avenue & N Street opened in March 2021. On Wednesday, the store manager Kyle Young and Team Georgetown posted a message at the door: “It was an absolute pleasure to serve this community. We had no notice. Please keep our staff in your thoughts and prayers. We really appreciated your support through the years. We will miss you.”
As reported in the Washington Post, the announcement comes less than six months after Foxtrot merged with Dom’s Kitchen & Market, a Chicago gourmet grocery store with two locations.
Company executives did not elaborate on the closures. The following message was posted on the Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen & Market websites.
“Dear Dom’s Kitchen & Market and Foxtrot Customers,
“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 33 Foxtrots and 2 Dom’s stores across Chicago, Austin, Dallas, D.C. 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.
“We understand that this news may come as a shock, and we apologize for any inconvenience it may cause. We genuinely appreciate your understanding during this challenging time. …”
Front door of the Georgetown Foxtrot. Georgetowner photo.
