CHICAGO, IL - You may recall Foxtrot’s sudden closure earlier this year, when the chain made an abrupt announcement to shutter its store locations. Recent news, however, has the chain poised to make a potential comeback, with reports coming out that several Foxtrot stores have popped up in Central Texas and Chicago, Illinois.

According to a report from My San Antonio, Foxtrot opened four stores in Austin, Texas, last year, which catered to many students at the University of Texas.

The company’s Co-Founder Mike LaVitola is currently leading an effort to bring back some of the banner’s shuttered stores—with more than half in its hometown of Chicago. An Eater report explained that 15 stores in total will be reopened in Chicago, Illinois, and in Austin and Dallas, Texas.

This announcement to reopen new stores came after weeks without comment. A news release sent Wednesday morning confirmed what had up until then been speculation: “Reopened stores will maintain the same layout and merchandising, focusing on small and local makers.”

We’ll continue to report on the latest updates in the retail sector, so stay tuned!

CONCORD, MA - Fruit-based food and beverage industry brand Welch’s has some ambitious plans laid out for 2025. After occupying its headquarters in Concord, Massachusetts, for over four decades, the company unveiled plans to relocate the facility to Waltham, Massachusetts, next year.

"Welch's is at a pivotal point in our journey where we are driven by ambitious growth and innovation goals as an organization," said Trevor Bynum, President and Chief Executive Officer of Welch's and National Grape Cooperative. "Moving into this new space in the thriving business community of Waltham will offer unparalleled opportunities for our company and workforce and better position us to reach our desired state."

The new Welch's Headquarters will be located at Reservoir Place at 1601 Trapelo Road. As a press release explained, the decision to move to Waltham underscores Welch's commitment to creating a workspace that not only meets the evolving needs of its employees but also helps attract top talent and brings Welch's new bold and vibrant branding to life.

Once developed, the space will feature modern amenities, enhanced collaboration and meeting spaces, and cutting-edge labs, and will qualify for LEED certification. The company is set to begin renovations on the new space in summer 2024, with the full relocation planned for spring 2025. Click here to read more about the development plans.

For more updates on this strategic move, keep reading ANUK.

OCEANSIDE, CA - The smell of tomatoes still transports me to my grandmother’s kitchen, and for so many consumers like me, tomatoes are synonymous with summer and all the eating opportunities that come with it. Oceanside Pole will soon have pole-grown tomatoes available to retailers starting the week of June 24.

“Our method ensures that we only deliver fruit with unmatched brix levels, robust flavor, extended shelf life, and a clean-slicing texture,” said Oceanside Pole’s Director of Sales and Strategy and Sales Executive Mark Smith. “Picking, packing, shipping, and delivering to retailers within 24 hours, Oceanside Pole tomatoes are truly one-of-a-kind.”

Exclusively marketed by Oppy, Oceanside Pole’s tomatoes are a first-class, vine-ripe tomatoes produced on the company’s 700-acre farm in California and additional 160 acres in Mexico.

Peak volume is expected from late August through October and will culminate around the Thanksgiving season. According to a press release, packaging options include 22 lb two-layer, 25 lb volume fill, 15 lb single-layer boxes, RPCsm, and a 5 lb club pack.

Oppy’s Senior Sales Representative James Galindo has been documenting the season through a video series.

“My vision has been to film this entire season from start to finish. I want it to be as digestible and succinct as possible to help educate those who don’t know the extent of the effort that goes into a pole-grown tomato,” added Galindo.

As the season progresses, these videos will become even more captivating, showcasing the full picture of the harvesting and packing process.

Stick with ANUK as we keep you in the loop on all things fresh produce.