Employees at a popular coffee chain are forced to kick out customers after the company abruptly confirms it is closing all locations

BARISTS at a popular coffee chain were forced to throw customers out of the store after learning the company was closing all stores, with immediate effect.

On Tuesday, Foxtrot, an upscale coffee shop and convenience store, announced that it would permanently close all of its stores in the United States.

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The company also announced the closure of its Dom’s Kitchen & Market grocery chain.

Foxtrot’s abrupt closure left employees scrambling when they discovered the next day they were losing their jobs.

“I found out two hours before that our company was closing nationwide!!!” one barista wrote in the caption of a TikTok video.

“Does anyone know how to file for unemployment???”

The one-minute TikTok, posted by Giulia (@sad girl), demonstrated the baristas’ shock and confusion as they processed that their store and the chain would close permanently in two hours.

“What do we tell them?” said one employee as she pointed her phone at the sea of ​​customers sitting at tables, unaware of the mass closure.

The TikToker filmed herself pouring milk into her latest latte and then quickly cut to an empty restaurant saying on the screen: “I kicked out all the customers!!”

People tried to enter the store, but they put a sign in the window saying: “Closed Forever”.

The company released a statement Tuesday sharing the closure announcement with customers.

“It is with regret that we must inform you of a difficult decision we have had to make. After much consideration and evaluation, we regret to announce that Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen and Market will close their doors effective April 23, 2024,” parent company Outfox Hospitality wrote in a declaration.

“We have explored many avenues to continue the business but have not found any viable option despite good faith and exhaustive efforts.

“This decision was not made lightly and we understand the impact it will have on you, our loyal customers, as well as our dedicated team members.

“We want to express our sincerest gratitude for your support and patronage over the years. We understand this news may come as a shock and we apologize for any inconvenience it may cause.”

He thanked his loyal customers, team members and partners for helping to build “such a strong brand.”

The mass closure will affect 33 Foxtrots and 2 Dom grocery stores in Chicago, Austin, Dallas and the DC area.

The Foxtrot website was also taken offline and now only an error message appears on the screen.

Baristas were told around 11:40 a.m. Tuesday that it was their last day of work, according to an email and FAQ reviewed by The Washington Post.

They were also told that their pay would only be for shifts through April 23 and that their health benefits would end in a week.

The company has about 1,000 workers, with about 100 full-time employees, according to Eater Chicago.

‘THE BEST OF CHICAGO’

Foxtrot began in 2014 as an app-based delivery service for high-quality food and alcohol before opening its first location in Chicago in 2016.

It promised to deliver “the best of Chicago” in less than an hour, according to Fast Company.

Foxtrot calls itself “a new kind of corner store,” offering customers a wide variety of items such as pre-prepared meals, alcoholic beverages, grocery items, gifts and coffee.

The news comes as Outfox Hospitality files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy less than six months after Foxtrot announced a merger with Dom’s Kitchen & Market, according to Snapshot.

His business grew during the pandemic and announced in 2022 that it had raised $160 million in funding, according to a company Press release.

The US Sun recently reported the closure of many restaurants, including beloved Italian restaurants in Minnesota.

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