Foxtrot names former Taco Bell exec as its new CEO

There’s been a management change at Foxtrot.

The convenience store retailer, which combines neighborhood retail and e-commerce technology with a curated selection of local faves and emerging brands, said that Liz Williams will take over as CEO, effective immediately. She takes the reins from co-founder Mike LaVitola, who has been named chairman. 

Williams joined Foxtrot in June 2022 as the company's first-ever president and CFO, leading operations, finance, strategy, development and supply chain. Previously, from 2020 to 2021, she served as CEO of Drybar, a California-based hair salon specializing in blowouts, hair care products and styling tools.

Before Drybar, Williams spent nine years at Taco Bell, including serving as president, international, from 2018 to 2020. Before that, she was CFO with responsibility for e-commerce and information technology. During her time at Taco Bell, Williams was responsible for the brand strategy, growth and performance of the international business across 30 countries.

Williams also serves on the board of online retail platform Stitch Fix and advertising software provider Viant.

Founded by LaVitola and Taylor Bloom in 2014, Foxtrot launched as a digital-only delivery service before expanding to brick-and-mortar. The company currently operates 26 stores in Chicago, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Dallas and Austin with plans to continue expanding in existing and new markets.

"Since joining our team last summer, Liz’s inspirational leadership, deep admiration for the Foxtrot brand and depth of operating expertise has taken us to new heights, said Mike LaVitola, Chairman of Foxtrot. “We are thrilled for the opportunity to grow with Liz as our CEO as we introduce Foxtrot to more neighborhoods across the country,"

As CEO, Williams will oversee continued growth of Foxtrot both within its current markets of Chicago, Washington D.C., Dallas and Austin, and in new markets across the country.

“I’m honored to lead Foxtrot, an incredible brand that is modernizing convenience retail and the local café, with delicious food and beverage options that delight our customers,” said Williams. “Mike has created and led a very special brand to this point, I am thrilled to continue with our mission and excited about the growth ahead.”

The brand curates its signature market selection with up-and-coming brands and highly local favorites alongside its all-day café experience the features coffee, seasonal drinks, fresh smoothies, breakfast tacos, chef-prepared salads and bowls and grab-and-go meals for lunch and dinner. All its offerings are available to enjoy in-store, for pickup, and on-demand, 30-minute delivery through the brand’s proprietary app.