A Look Inside Foxtrot’s New Chicago Store

CHICAGO — Foxtrot opened its seventh location Aug. 6 in Chicago.

At 3,650 square feet, the convenience store in the Old Town neighborhood offers a coffee bar, beer on tap and wine by the glass, a lounge with seating for 50 inside and 30 more on its outdoor patios.

The chain also has a store in Dallas, with plans to expand in both cities and new markets, said Crystal Tao, vice president of communications and brand relations for Foxtrot.

The Chicago-based company gets about 50% of its business through its online service and the other half in-store, which Tao said is meant to be a community-driven hub, where people can come to work, grab a quick bite or grocery item and relax. Orders from Foxtrot's app arrive in less than 60 minutes, she said.

“We’re really just finding ways where we can help make it convenient for you in any part of your day,” Tao said.

Here’s a look inside Foxtrot’s newest location ...

Patrons who walk into Foxtrot’s Old Town store will first see its cafe. Executive Chef Brad Alexander oversees the menu along with Foxtrot's grab-and-go items under its private label.

Dishes at the in-store cafe include elote avocado toast, rajas breakfast tacos, breakfast sandwiches, whole-grain bowls, superfood smoothies and more.

Also, Foxtrot partners with Chicago-based Metric Coffee in all its stores.

The grab-and-go section features meals from Foxtrot’s proprietary brand as well as other local and national favorites. Shoppers can pick up a variety of meals and snacks including salads, sandwiches, fresh fruit, dinner entrees and more.

The store carries a number of Chicago brands, from Lou Malnati's pizza to West Town Bakery products and Vital Proteins.

Ice cream and wine are the stores' top sellers, Tao said. Foxtrot stocks Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Halo Top, Tipsy Scoop, Graters, Talenti and more.

Foxtrot carries about 200 SKUs of wine, Tao said, including everything from French Pool Toy (a $12 wine) to a $90 bottle of I. Brand & Family Monte Bello Cabernet. Dylan Melvin is the chain's beverage director and also a sommelier. 

Foxtrot’s website lists suggested wine bundles. For example, a “Discover Sauvignon Blanc—Trio” package costs $49 for three bottles of brands with unique styles of sauvignon blanc.

In addition to wine, it also stocks several Chicago craft beers, including Half Acre Double Daisy Cutter and Pipeworks Danger Fruit Prickly Pear Pale Ale, plus liquor and cocktail kits.

Behind the cafe in the back of the store are shelves with everyday household items. Customers can purchase Kleenex, Ziploc bags, Tide laundry detergent and other grocery and household items.

It also features snack items including Country Archer beef jerky and RXbars. 

Foxtrot’s gift section is not something customers see in every c-store. Tao said people were “sending gifts left and right,” so they decided to make it a part of their store.

Customers can pick up a candle, book, Yeti cup or a Wildflower CBD, plus lavender soap. 

Customers can also buy prepackaged gift boxes online, including occasion- and Chicago-themed compilations. The chain also offer gift wrap in-store and online.

Tao said the cafe and seating area is meant to be a “home away from home,” where customers can work, relax and meet up with friends.

"We value curation, convenience and community, and the Foxtrot experience is about bringing together those values for our guests," Tao said.

Foxtrot's Old Town location has a front and back patio. All of Foxtrot's stores have some outdoor seating, Tao said. 

A walk-up window at the storefront will allow customers to purchase coffee, breakfast tacos and more without having to step inside the store.