A Texas-based restaurant chain is making a remarkable comeback in 2025 after experiencing a tumultuous period marked by bankruptcy, failed business partnerships, and legal challenges. The revival particularly excites fans in Dallas, who have been eagerly awaiting the return of their local favorite establishments.
The chain, Foxtrot Café & Market, has successfully reopened five locations in Chicago and is now expanding its presence in Dallas with two new locations. The Dallas reopenings are scheduled for this month at Knox-Henderson’s 3130 Knox Street and University Park’s 6565 Hillcrest Avenue.
The company’s journey to recovery follows a challenging period that began in November 2023 when Foxtrot merged with Dom’s Kitchen & Market to create Outfox Hospitality. The merger, which aimed to establish multiple hybrid convenience store and café locations across major U.S. cities, proved unsuccessful and led to a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing just five months later.
The bankruptcy had severe consequences for approximately 1,100 employees, including 100 corporate staff and 1,000 service workers, who lost their jobs without prior notice. This sudden closure prompted legal action from former employees, who filed a class-action lawsuit against the company for violating the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN), which requires 60 days’ notice before mass layoffs.
The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) became heavily involved in the matter, filing three federal bankruptcy claims against Outfox Hospitality to recover unpaid wages and benefits. In a recent development, IDOL filed an additional lawsuit last month seeking $3.8 million in wages on behalf of 350 Illinois-based former employees of both Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen and Market.
Despite these setbacks, Foxtrot began its resurrection in early September 2024, operating independently from Outfox Hospitality and Dom’s Kitchen & Market under the slightly modified name Foxtrot Café & Market. The company’s strategic revival has focused on gradually reopening locations, starting with Chicago and now expanding to Dallas.
The Dallas expansion represents more than just new store openings; it signifies Foxtrot’s commitment to community integration and local partnerships. The company plans to collaborate with Dallas-area businesses to strengthen its local presence. Additionally, Foxtrot is enhancing its menu offerings to cater to local tastes, including the introduction of tacos, a beloved Texas staple.
This resurrection demonstrates the resilience of a brand that refused to let bankruptcy and legal challenges define its future. After weathering a failed merger, multiple lawsuits, and a five-month operational hiatus, Foxtrot’s return to business stands as a testament to its determination to maintain its presence in the competitive restaurant market.
The company’s ability to rebuild itself independently, following the dissolution of the Outfox Hospitality venture, shows remarkable adaptability in the face of adversity. While former employees continue their legal pursuit of owed wages through IDOL’s efforts, Foxtrot’s new iteration focuses on reestablishing its market presence and rebuilding customer relationships.
As Foxtrot embarks on this new chapter, its expansion into Dallas marks a significant milestone in its recovery journey. The decision to reopen these locations responds directly to persistent requests from Dallas customers, demonstrating the company’s commitment to serving its loyal customer base while working to regain its footing in the restaurant industry.