Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen & Market are merging

Chicago-based upscale food retailers Foxtrot Market and Dom’s Kitchen & Market are merging, the retailers announced Monday.

The merger creates a new entity, Outfox Hospitality, to be helmed by Foxtrot CEO Liz Williams will become the CEO. Dom's CEO Don Fitzgerald will serve as Dom’s Kitchen & Market president and COO through a transition period. 

Mike LaVitola, co-founder of Foxtrot; Jay Owen, co-founder and co-chairman of Dom’s; and Bob Mariano, co-founder and co-chairman of Dom’s, will continue to hold advisor and board roles within the organization. 

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

The merger is expected to close during the fourth quarter. 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.

“Dom’s has long admired the Foxtrot brand, viewing it as an industry trailblazer and a market disruptor,” Owen, Dom's co-founder and board chairman, said in a statement. “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.”

Currently, the combined brands have 34 locations in the Chicago, Washington D.C., Dallas and Austin markets. 

“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,” Williams said in a statement. “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.”

With both retailers headquartered in Chicago, there are scale advantages and the ability to leverage resources across both formats, the retailers said. With the merger, products from both banners will be sold across all stores. 

“We are thrilled to share Foxtrot cult favorites like our gummy candies, savory snacks and unique wines with the Dom’s community and to bring Dom’s delicious, expertly prepared meal options to local Foxtrot stores,” added Williams. “In addition to our markets, our cafe and coffee businesses are at the heart of our stores and we look forward to continued growth through our partnership. Together, we will bring together community, convenience and curated culinary to create a unique experience for consumers.”

Both brands are known for their upscale grocery offerings and extensive retail foodservice selection. 

Foxtrot, which was founded in 2013, is a hybrid corner store, cafe and market. 

Dom's Kitchen & Market opened its first store in 2021, the creation of several grocery veterans. Owen is the great-grandson of Dominick’s founder Dominick DiMatteo. Mariano is the founder of the Mariano's grocery chain and Fitzgerald is a former Dominick's executive.