Three days after the sudden closures of Foxtrot and Dom’s Market, former employees are facing a difficult situation as they scramble to find new jobs. The closures have caused a ripple effect, not only affecting the employees but also causing damage to other small and locally owned businesses in Chicago.
On Friday, several former employees gathered to rally for workers’ rights, believing that the parent company, Outfox Hospitality, may have violated the WARN Act. Despite attempts to reach Outfox Hospitality for comment, the company could not be reached. However, a message on Dom’s Market website stated that the company had explored various options to continue the business but unfortunately, found no viable solution despite their good faith and exhaustive efforts.
The sudden closures have not only left the employees without jobs but have also caused a domino effect on other small businesses in Chicago. Corey Kaplan, the owner of Corey’s Bagels, expressed his disappointment and concern, saying, “It hurts, I’m not going to lie, it’s really going to hurt us. We had a great relationship with Dom’s Market, we supplied them with bagels, cream cheese, and bagel chips.”
Kaplan supplied Dom’s Market on a daily basis and first noticed something was amiss when they did not receive a purchase order on Sunday. He then went to the store on Tuesday morning to inquire about the situation, but to his surprise, found the doors locked. “No one knew, not even the management,” Kaplan said, still trying to absorb the sudden turn of events. “I think there’s more to the story.”
Dom’s and Foxtrot closed indefinitely on that day, leaving many businesses like Corey’s Bagels in a difficult position. Kaplan estimates that he is now out at least $10,000, which he does not anticipate being paid out. He also mentioned that he is not the only one facing this sudden blow to business. “This has a huge effect on so many different people,” he told NBC 5.
Despite the closures of Dom’s and Foxtrot, many of the products they sold in their stores are still available. Kaplan hopes that customers will now turn to the brick-and-mortar shops in Chicago that supplied those grocers in the first place. “Where are the people who used to buy Corey’s bagels now? Hopefully, they’ll come here,” he said outside his Old Town location, which has been in business for 23 years. “Come and visit all the other small businesses that you used to get your muffins, coffee, cookies, and cakes from. Show your support for the little guy who helped you get your daily essentials.”
The sudden closures of Foxtrot and Dom’s Market have undoubtedly caused a lot of turmoil and uncertainty for the employees and small businesses in Chicago. However, it is important to remember that there are still many other local businesses that need our support. Let us come together as a community and show our support for these small businesses that have been affected by this unfortunate situation. Let us continue to patronize the little guys who have been an integral part of our daily lives.
