Luxury Grocery Chain Foxtrot Announces Sudden Closing — and Then Store Staff Is Seen Handing Items Out for Free

Foxtrot Market is no more. 

The grocer, which has locations in Illinois, Washington D.C., and Texas, merged with Dom’s Kitchen & Market six months ago. All 33 locations have suddenly closed.

"It is with a heavy heart that we must inform you of a difficult decision we have had to make. After much consideration and evaluation, we regret to announce that Foxtrot and Dom's Kitchen & Market will be closing their doors starting on April 23, 2024," read a message on Foxtrot’s website. "We explored many avenues to continue the business but found no viable option despite good faith and exhaustive efforts."

According to Substack newsletter Snaxshot, the merged venture of both markets, called Outfox Hospitality, is filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, though nothing has been filed as of Tuesday.

The company includes roughly 1,000 staffers spanning several states, per Eater. 

In the statement on Foxtrot’s website, the company said the “decision has not been made lightly, and we understand the impact it will have on you, our loyal customers, as well as our dedicated team members.”

“We want to express our sincerest gratitude for your support and patronage throughout the years,” the statement continued. “It has been our highest honor to elevate the everyday and create a remarkable shopping experience for people who love food as much as we do. It has been a privilege serving you and being a part of your everyday lives.”

The news has spread across social media, sparking dismay and shock among regular shoppers. Several users have shared videos of long lines of customers snagging products for free following the closures.

One user, @gabiburgfitt, shared a video of herself outside a Foxtrot location and showed a crowd gathered in the entrance. “Everything is free,” she said. 

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Another user commented on Foxtrot’s most recent TikTok, “What is going to happen to all the merchandise? Closing with no warning is wild.”

One user, who appears to be a former employee, also wrote in a since-deleted comment, “I work at the Chicago east Lakeview location I let my last customers grab a [tote] and fill it up.”

PEOPLE reached out to Outfox for comment, but did not immediately hear back.