TAGeX Brands’ Post

As someone who hadn't experienced Foxtrot and Dom's Kitchen & Market firsthand, the sudden closure of these businesses prompts reflection on what customers truly seek from their grocery experiences. This article sheds light on the challenges that innovative retailers face amidst the dominance of larger competitors and the demand for efficiency. Despite their ambitious growth plans, both Foxtrot and Dom's ceased operations abruptly, leaving the industry reeling with shock and frustration. Foxtrot revolutionized convenience by offering a multifaceted experience encompassing a café, grocery, and delivery services, while Dom’s distinguished itself through culinary excellence with its foodservice stations. The demise of these retailers sparks speculation about the viability of their business models and the effectiveness of their financial management. In an era where cost-cutting and essential-focused strategies reign supreme, retailers struggle to sustain imaginative concepts in the face of industry giants. Foxtrot's labor-intensive model and Dom’s experiential focus encountered significant pressure to deliver consistent returns. The relentless competition driven by efficiency and evolving consumer spending habits poses challenges for startups, while established players like Aldi thrive with their lean operations. However, amidst these challenges, there remains opportunity for innovation, albeit in a more focused and selective manner. Retailers must strike a delicate balance between cost-cutting measures and providing unique experiences to stay competitive in today's landscape. Whole Foods serves as a prime example, maintaining customer excitement through innovative store designs, emphasis on local sourcing, and meticulous brand development. In conclusion, the abrupt closure of Foxtrot and Dom’s serves as a reminder of the imperative for retailers to pilot innovative concepts while nurturing strong connections with customers, even within an environment demanding utmost efficiency. #RetailInnovation #CustomerExperience #GroceryTrends

Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen & Market collectively operated less than 40 stores in just a few markets. The former was just a decade old, while the latter’s first location hadn’t even celebrated three years in business. But when the news hit last week that both retailers, which merged last fall under newly formed parent company Outfoxed Hospitality, had ceased operations, the outpouring of shock, grief and frustration across the industry was enormous. It’s not clear what led to the demise of Foxtrot and Dom's — two retailers that that had seemed so promising. What is clear, however, is that Foxtrot and Dom’s were operating during a tough time for upscale, innovative retailers. Their downfall comes as both consumers and retailers are feeling more pressure than ever to cut costs, pare down and focus on the essentials. Indeed, we’ve entered a period where creative new retail ideas will struggle to flourish against the raw power of large players and the grinding need for efficiency — and it’ll likely only get tougher from here.

It's difficult to pinpoint what led to the demise of Foxtrot and Dom's Kitchen & Market when both models seemed so promising. Some opinions are that it took too much venture capital and grew too quickly. Both businesses did have labor intensive models, including Dom's foodservice stalls that required labor capital to run and workers to take and make orders. Check out the latest from Jeff Wells from Grocery Dive: https://lnkd.in/eMvgn-Yj

Great read on the balancing act of innovation and efficiency in the grocery market. The article explores the fresh, innovative ideas of Foxtrot and Dom's and what lessons we can learn from their demise in a high inflationary market. As the grocery industry continues to evolve, it's crucial to find the right balance yet not lose focus on customer demands. What strategies have you implemented to stay ahead in this dynamic industry? #groceryindustry #innovation #efficiency

it's been remarkable how certain companies like Wawa (fla) and QT (tex) have so successfully taken an iconic brand famous in a particular market (respectively Pa and OK) and extended it in a very different demographic....of course, these 2 are hardly alone burning believe the rest of this decade will be defined by the super-regionals with brands like Maverik, Casey's, RaceTrac, Sheetz and others stretching into other parts of the country... the most surprising to me is Nouria. its acquisition of Enmarket gives this mid-size New England fuel marketer/retailer a terrific footprint to etch its impramateur on the SE portion of the US

At Dave’s Hot Chicken, every tech pilot serves a bigger goal: supporting franchisees and improving the guest experience. Take the self-service kiosks, for example. Positioned near the counter for easy staff support, they’ve achieved: 📈 25% adoption rates 💲 4–6% higher check averages But that’s just the start. The Chino Hills location is also testing: 🤖 Robotic arms to simplify frying 🎥 Marketing boards for dynamic guest engagement As COO Jim Bitticks says, “All of these efforts aim to make Dave’s better and create a great business model for franchisees.” How do you think tech like this will reshape quick-service dining? #FranchiseSuccess #HospitalityTech #QSRInnovation https://lnkd.in/g9r6FKVE

🌟 Here we go again - growing is in our DNA🌟 As our business continues to grow at an incredible pace, we’re thrilled to announce the arrival and installation of further blending tanks in the factory! We need to handle over 50,000 litres of liquid every day—a true testament to the scale of our operations. This is for January, which should be a quiet month and Quarter! Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening across the business: ✅ Production: The 5 lines are running, with the team back on 24/5 shifts after a well-earned Christmas break. ✅ Blending: Adjusting to new shift patterns to keep up with demand. ✅ Engineering: Working hard to implement a fully automated system to increase efficiency. ✅ Warehouse: Bustling with activity, so we’re introducing new software to streamline operations. ✅ Commercial: Busy crafting budgets, launching new products in waves, and winning customers in even bigger waves! ✅ Finance: Refining systems, enhancing data insights, and driving smarter processes. It’s incredible to see all our teams working together, aligned in their goals and planning for an even brighter future. It’s only January, and we’ve already achieved so much. A big shoutout to the entire Mallows Bottling & Beverages family—you’re making it happen! #Teamwork #Growth #Innovation #MallowsBeverages #2025Goals #contractbottling #softdrinks #spirits #rtd’s #innovating

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There's a clear relationship between preference and revenue, and Texas Roadhouse shows us how it's done. Here’s why Texas Roadhouse excels: 1. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴: An 8-ounce steak with two sides costs $16.49 at Texas Roadhouse, compared to $18.29 at LongHorn and $19.79 at Outback. Lower prices draw in customers. 2. 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: Inside, Texas Roadhouse creates a lively atmosphere with a central bar, vibrant ambiance, and visible meat displays, encouraging customers to spend more. 3. 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: While Outback has a similar overall preference score, Texas Roadhouse often becomes the first choice for diners, driving more traffic. 4. 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆: With low-end prices and premium upsell options, Texas Roadhouse maximizes revenue from each customer. This blend of affordability, engaging atmosphere, and smart upselling fuels their impressive revenue growth. Texas Roadhouse's success story is a testament to the impact of strong brand preference. 💪 #MSWResearch #MarketResearch #BrandGrowth #ConsumerInsights

It has been three months since the abrupt and unfortunate closures of VC-backed convenience retail chain Foxtrot, and this one in the hip West Loop Fulton Market location still looks as if it could be reopened any day, with food items lining the shelves, but what appears to be no plan in sight, only wasted food and great memories of a place I used to frequent for coffee and breakfast meetings, as well as shopping for quick items. A tombstone in the VC-backed graveyard. Could a different investor-base (perhaps non-VC) resulted in a healthier situation for Foxtrot? Either way, its always a blessing to spend a few days in Chicago during the summer. #foxtrot #chicago #retail #venturecapital #westloop