Starting As Mobile Delivery Service, Foxtrot Continues Expansion Into Physical Retail
CHICAGO (CBS) -- With just over $1 million in seed money in its back pocket, an upscale online delivery service is continuing its expansion into traditional brick-and-mortar stores.
Foxtrot, which began as a mobile app offering an upscale, curated delivery menu to customers, will open its second retail shop, thanks to a $1.1 million investment from three backers--Mark Tebbe, chairman of ChicagoNEXT, Lon Chow, venture investor, and Kevin Price, co-founder and CFO of Trunk Club.
The new 1,700-square-foot store in the West Loop, 1019 W. Lake St., will open for business on Nov. 16.
"The new flagship location really brings our curated app experience to life, and allows our customers to discover and interact with the city's best food and drink in a more meaningful way," said Michael LaVitola, co-founder and CEO of Foxtrot.
Foxtrot launched as a mobile ordering app, but only focuses on a limited number of specialty items, ranging from food, snacks, drinks and even a few sundries.
LaVitola's light-bulb moment came a few years ago when wanted a six-pack of good craft beer, some tasty tortilla chips and guac.
The apps that were available at the time were too daunting, with too many choices.
So he came up with Foxtrot, which curates the best food, drinks and other top-notch necessities in a fast mobile ordering platform.
The selections are limited on purpose, and curation is the key. The idea is to deliver high-quality items as simply as possible.
Now, the company is moving into traditional retail markets.
The West Loop store--the company opened its first store on the North Side earlier this year--will not only showcase Foxtrot's curated selection of goods from notable brands and makers, but also host unique events with local partners
