Upscale C-store retailer Foxtrot to merge with Dom’s Kitchen & Market
Two Chicago-based food companies known for their upscale, locally sourced assortments and in-store cafes are joining forces.
Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen & Market will merge and operate under the new entity of Outfox Hospitality once the deal is completed. The terms of the deal, which is expected to close by the end of 2023, were not disclosed. At present, Foxtrot has 32 stores in the Chicago, DC, Dallas and Austin markets. Dom’s has two locations in Chicago.
Liz Williams, who was appointed CEO of Foxtrot in April, will serve as chief executive of Outfox, leading all day-to-day operations for the company. Dom’s CEO Don Fitzgerald will serve as president and COO of Dom’s Kitchen & Market president and COO through a transition period.
In addition, Foxtrot co-founder Mike LaVitola and Dom’s co-founders Jay Owen and Bob Mariano will hold advisory and board roles at Outfox.
Founded in 2013, Foxtrot combines an upscale corner store and café with app-based purchasing that provides 30-minute deliveries. Stores offer a wide variety of products, including freshly crafted chef-prepared meals, premium groceries, wine, snacks and sweets, personal care products, and gifts. The brand curates its selection with up-and-coming brands and highly local favorites along with an inviting café experience.
“Foxtrot was created with the vision of building a community of people who love to discover new and interesting products, either by gathering at our stores, or having them delivered from our user-friendly app — a goal we’ve proudly accomplished over the past 10 years,” said Williams. “We’re excited for this new venture with Dom’s Kitchen & Market because we share a common mission of modernizing the way people shop. Merging our two brands will elevate the experience for our customers and move the retail industry forward.”
Dom’s, which launched in 2021, has locations in Chicago’s Lincoln Park and Old Town neighborhoods, with a third set to open in summer 2024, in the city’s River North district. Stores are designed as neighborhood hubs and offer curated market products, chef-crafted meals and in-store dining.
“Dom’s has long admired the Foxtrot brand, viewing it as an industry trailblazer and a market disruptor,” said Dom’s Owen. “Our shared vision centers on bringing the convenience of a market together with the experience of a restaurant into hospitable spaces that are destinations in the communities we serve. We do this by curating high quality goods, preparing expertly crafted meals, and delivering warm and friendly service.”
Guggenheim Securities is acting as financial advisor to Foxtrot Market and Latham & Watkins is serving as the legal advisor. Greenberg Traurig, LLP is serving as legal advisor to Dom’s Kitchen & Market.