Foxtrot, Dom's Kitchen & Market mass closure shutters Austin, Dallas stores: What we know

Chicago-based grocery stores Foxtrot and Dom's Kitchen & Market suddenly ceased operations Tuesday and announced mass closures, including locations in Austin and Dallas.

Here's what we know.

Why did Foxtrot close?

After halting operations Tuesday, Foxtrot and Dom's Kitchen & Market posted the same message to their sites. All store operations, delivery operations and apps closed Tuesday. Store credits and member perks have also expired.

"We explored many avenues to continue the business but found no viable option despite good faith and exhaustive efforts," the statement reads. "We understand that this news may come as a shock, and we apologize for any inconvenience it may cause."

The closures affect 33 Foxtrots and two Dom's across Chicago, Austin, Dallas, and DC areas. Dallas and Austin each have four locations.

"As of the end of the day today, you will no longer be employed"

Outfox Hospitality's customers aren't the only ones shocked by the news of its closures. According to an email shared with the Dallas Morning News, staff were given less than a day's notice of the closures.

"As of the end of the day today, you will no longer be employed," the email read in part.

Evidence of the closures' suddenness is evident by peering into some of the stores' windows.

What is Foxtrot?

Foxtrot and Dom's Kitchen & Market are two popular Chicago-based grocery startups. Foxtrot launched as a delivery app in 2013, claiming it could deliver "the best of Chicago" in under an hour. It also operated as a grocery store with goods such as pre-made meals, alcohol and snacks, FastCompany reports.

Dom's Kitchen & Market was founded in 2021 by grocery store executive Bob Mariano.

Five months ago, the startups announced plans to merge into Outfox Hospitality, according to FastCompany.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Foxtrot Austin, Dallas stores close suddenly, all operations ceased