Dive Brief:
- Foxtrot, the upscale convenience retailer that unexpectedly ceased operations before filing for bankruptcy earlier this year, relaunched its delivery and order-ahead services last week as it preps to reopen a third Chicago location on Thursday, the company recently announced.
- Customers can order anything from inside Foxtrot’s two existing locations for pickup, including items from its brand-new all-day food menu, featuring panini sandwiches, breakfast tacos and salad bowls. All products outside the food menu are available for delivery.
- Foxtrot reopened locations in Chicago’s Gold Coast and Old Town neighborhoods last month after ceasing operations in April. Its third location will be on Division Street in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood.
Dive Insight:
After what seemed to be a catastrophic downfall this spring shortly after merging with grocery chain Dom’s Kitchen & Market, the company declared bankruptcy and was rejuvenated under the leadership of its founder, Mike LaVitola. He told sister publication C-Store Dive this summer that the combined company failed due to overhead costs outpacing overall profitability.
Restoring its speedy delivery and order-ahead services — guaranteed in 60 and 30 minutes, respectively — was a “top priority” in Foxtrot’s relaunch plan, co-founder Taylor Bloom said in a company announcement. It also marks the beginning of a return to form for Foxtrot after several tumultuous months.
A notable addition to Foxtrot’s items available for delivery and pickup include a “robust spirits selection,” the company said. Delivery is available for a $5 flat fee.
"Foxtrot began as a digital-only delivery service, and our e-commerce offerings have remained a cornerstone of the business since the day we opened our first physical store," Bloom said.
Foxtrot will offer free coffee at the Wicker Park store on Thursday between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and will host happy hours Friday and Saturday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. to celebrate the location’s reopening.
