Foxtrot Targets 50 Additional Stores in 2 Years

Foxtrot, the hybrid corner store, cafe and delivery retail market with 13 locations throughout Chicago, Dallas and Washington, D.C., announced July 20 a mass expansion that includes an additional 50 new stores within the next two years.

The expansion also includes new markets for Foxtrot, with stores planned for New York City; Austin and Houston, Texas; Boston; Miami, Fla.; and Los Angeles. Meanwhile, stores are slated to open later this year in Chicago's Gold Coast, D.C.’s Dupont Circle and Old Town Alexandria in Virginia.

New store formats will be twice as large as Foxtrot’s earliest models and feature expansive on-premise dining, enhanced cafe menus and in-store merchandising that leans into and anticipates trends within the CPG landscape, the Chicago-based retailer said in a release. Foxtrot hired former Momofuku Executive Chef Tae Strain earlier this year to lead its culinary development. Around the same time, it also hired Mitch Madoff, former VP of exclusive brands for Whole Foods Market, as its SVP of private label and supply chain.

Foxtrot’s new stores will also offer an “a.m. to p.m. neighborhood experience” that includes locally roasted espresso in the morning, discovery-based shopping throughout the day and a wine shop and bustling bar in the evening, in addition to its signature 30-minute delivery and 5-minute pickup services.

Related:Foxtrot’s D.C. Debut Delivers

"We first introduced ourselves to customers through online-only, rapid-delivery of our dream convenience store,” said Mike LaVitola, co-founder and CEO of Foxtrot, in a release. “In the years since, we've realized the pivotal role the physical shops play within neighborhoods. There's no better way to spark discovery than by browsing shelves, and no better platform to elevate local makers than giving them a home in the neighborhood.”

Rendering courtesy of Foxtrot

About 40% of Foxtrot’s stock consists of small and local businesses, it said. And while it bills itself as “the convenience store of the future,” Foxtrot’s assortment includes everyday grocery essentials—a category it said “had a blowout sales year” as more people were eating at home during the pandemic. Foxtrot said it has managed to take the 100% year-over-over sales growth and maintain sales even as consumers return to work, restaurants and the like.

“As consumer preferences shifted online this past year and delivery soared, we were fortunate to see our stores continue to thrive, and act as true hubs of the community when people were seeking connection,” LaVitola continued. “In an increasingly digital world, and especially as we exit the pandemic, we believe retail will continue to thrive if done right—beautiful spaces, tailored to the neighborhood, highlighting local makers and artisans, and providing a friendly, warm gathering space for all. We can’t wait for new cities across the country to experience the Foxtrot difference.”

To date, Foxtrot said it has received $65 million in funding. In February, the venture-backed retailer closed a $42 million Series B investment round that it said would support expansion into D.C.—its two stores there opened in March—as well as new stores in Chicago and Dallas this year.