It's not easy getting back into business after filing for bankruptcy, being sued by your own employees, and disappearing for five months.
However, this restaurant chain defied all odds and refused to let major setbacks hinder its resurrection.
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The company seemed destined for success, with multiple stores in major U.S. cities, including Chicago, Washington, DC, Austin, and Dallas.
This restaurant chain had a take-out section, freshly baked goods, and a cafeteria, which quickly made it a popular place for those living in the fast-paced urban life.
However, all good things come to an end.
Merger gone wrong sparks controversial reaction
Foxtrot and Dom's Kitchen & Market joined forces in late 2023 to form Outfox Hospitality. This company aimed to combine classic convenience stores with cafe fare to expand its presence in major US cities.
Unfortunately, the merger only lasted five short months before the newly formed company was forced to close all of its locations and file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Related: New owners of previously bankrupt restaurant chain reopen their locations
This filing put approximately 100 corporate employees and 1,000 service employees out of work without notice, as Outfox did not inform its workforce of the closures in advance.
In exchange, former Outfox employees presented a class action lawsuit against the company for violating the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, which requires companies to give employees 60 days' notice before any planned closures or mass layoffs.
Foxtrot reopens its third location and people have mixed feelings
Foxtrot opened its third location Thursday in Chicago's Wicker Park, and the new owners are doing everything they can to boost business and please their customers again.
To celebrate the reopening of its third store, Foxtrot will offer free coffee to everyone who attends the grand opening from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. at its new location.
For those who couldn't stop by the reopened location on the morning of the opening, the restaurant chain will also offer happy hours on Fridays and Saturdays from 3 to 7 p.m.
Although Foxtrot's new owners want customers to be excited about this great achievement, some refuse to forgive the wrongdoings of its former owners.
Foxtrot posted about the third reopening of its locations on the company's website. instagram.com/p/DBKCLIGSDn9/?igsh=eWd3cGVuaHpoNHJ3″>instagram
One user of the social media platform commented: “If you can't address the past, you are very likely to repeat it. I hope fewer people are harmed in the future.”
Another user commented: “Boycott. Have you paid all previous employees and suppliers? Have you apologized directly to each of them? No thanks. We will continue to boycott. You can close again.”
However, not all of the feedback was negative, and many loyal customers called on Foxtrot to reopen its Dallas locations next.
One user on the social media platform commented: “That's great, but what about Dallas?”
Another loyal customer commented: “Dallas is begging.”
Foxtrot launches its delivery and pre-order services to improve efficiency
Foxtrot now has two restaurants fully reopened, but for its third milestone, the company also wanted to offer its customers new and improved services to make their experience with the brand even better than before.
Foxtrot started as an online-only delivery service and is now returning to its humble beginnings by relaunching its delivery service at all of its recently reopened locations.
Customers can now have their favorite Foxtrot items delivered right to their door without having to leave for a flat fee of $5 per order.
More foxtrot:
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Additionally, Foxtrot will offer order-ahead services so customers in the morning rush don't have to wait in line. Instead, they can come to your nearest location and quickly pick up their items.
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