If the COVID-19 pandemic taught retailers anything, it’s that there is big business in delivery. Now, a Chicago-based chain of delivery-focused neighborhood markets, Foxtrot, is planning to open its first Virginia location this year in Old Town Alexandria, bringing its “signature” 30-minute delivery window and five-minute pickup services.
Foxtrot, which calls itself a “modern corner store, café, and delivery market,” will offer grab-and-go meals, pantry staples, and other everyday essentials; a full coffee bar using beans by local Vigilante Coffee; and a charcuterie bar, as well as beer, fine wine, and gifts.
The Alexandria location will occupy prime retail space at the corner of King and Washington streets in the 4,500-square-foot, two-story building formerly home to Le Pain Quotidien, which during the pandemic declared bankruptcy and closed all its stores. This will be Foxtrot’s first two-story footprint, complete with mezzanine seating.
The food at Foxtrot is likely to be the star of the show. Aside from being locally sourced and much of it house-made, the company recently made several new hires that make it clear Foxtrot is focused on its culinary offerings. Chef Tae Strain, who spent over two years as the executive chef of Momofuku CCDC in Washington, DC, led a team of chefs to create Foxtrot’s fall menu, with the company saying he brought an “obsession with flavor” to the brand. Additionally, Foxtrot brought on Mitch Madoff, a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America and 20-year Whole Foods Market veteran, to lead the brand’s private labels and supply chain.
While Foxtrot has not yet released a date for the Alexandria opening, curious customers can check out the region’s two other stores in Georgetown and Mt. Vernon Triangle in Washington, DC. They offer a peek at the type of made-fresh food that’s likely to be available in Alexandria—including a fromage-and-fig sandwich, Calabrian pasta salad, Thai curry bowl, and elote guacamole—as well as the premium grocery selection.
Foxtrot operates only a few other locations, in Chicago and Dallas. According to a report by Supermarket News, Foxtrot’s expansion to Virginia is part of a bigger growth push to open 50 new stores over the next two years. No word yet on whether other NoVA locations are planned. For more information, visit foxtrotco.com. 701 King St., Alexandria
Feature image courtesy Foxtrot
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