A former employee is suing Outfox Hospitality, a day after the parent company announced the closure of all Foxtrot and Dom's Kitchen and Market locations.
Following news of Foxtrot and Dom's Kitchen and Market closures, Jameel Moore was terminated with “immediate termination” from his stores in Austin, Dallas, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday in Illinois state court. He was one of the thousands of employees who were hired.
The lawsuit, which is currently seeking other class members, alleges that employees were not given advance notice of their terminations, which is a violation of the federal and state Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN). may be violated. The WARN Act requires employers to provide at least 60 days' written notice of closure.
“The firing of hundreds of employees across the country without notice is abhorrent and should be modeled,” Moore's attorney, Saeed Hussein, told USA TODAY. are now out of work. Employees should never be afraid to stand up for the rights they are entitled to.” It will take just a few brave people to stand on the front lines of this case and fight the good fight. ”
Outfox Hospitality did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment on the lawsuit.
Here's what we know:
What is foxtrot? Why did you close?
Foxtrot and Dom's Kitchen & Market are Chicago-based high-end grocery concepts with more than 30 stores nationwide.
They also served as restaurant space for customers, according to a report in the Austin American Statesman, part of the USA TODAY Network.
The news of the closure came suddenly, with many employees reporting they didn't know the store was closing until they came to work Tuesday.
Monica Perez, who worked at Dom's Kitchen & Market in Chicago, told CBS News, “I didn't even get a call from the manager.”
“I showed up as usual,” she said.
It wasn't long before grocery delivery services were shut down, mobile apps were down, and store credit cards were suspended. Account credits and membership benefits were announced for both grocery stores, CBS News reported.
Both Outfox Hospitality brands posted similar statements on social media platforms and online, expressing their dismay, citing financial challenges as the reason for the “difficult decision.”
“We understand that it impacts you, our loyal customers, and our dedicated team members,” management wrote. “We understand this news is shocking and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.”
The closures affect two Dom's stores and 33 Foxtrots stores in the Chicago, Austin, Dallas and Washington, D.C., areas, the statement said.
“We explored a number of avenues to continue our operations, but despite our good faith and exhaustive efforts, we were unable to find a viable option,” management said.
What does the lawsuit against Outfox Hospitality seek?
According to the complaint, Moore is seeking “only damages and other relief” arising as a direct result of the labor violations inflicted on Foxtrot and all Dom's Kitchen & Market employees on Tuesday, April 23. That's what it means.
It also includes compensation for the 60-day notice period that would have been paid under state and federal vigilance laws, according to the complaint.
Mr Moore wants to help other fired employees with their lawsuits, and says all former Outfox Hospitality employees will receive 60 days of “unpaid wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, unpaid holiday pay and unpaid vacation.” It proposes that he should receive “$401 in benefits, accrued paid vacation, and pension.” (k) Contributions and other benefits after notice of termination.”
To join the proposed class action lawsuit against Outfox Hospitality, please contact Haseeb Legal at (312) 940-9775 or sh@haseeblegal.com.
