New York City business leaders and bodega owners gathered near the site of a proposed city-run grocery store, opposing Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s plan. Concerns were raised about the potential negative impact on local businesses.
The Multicultural Business Coalition, representing 50 chambers of commerce, filed two lawsuits to challenge the plan for five government-owned supermarkets offering subsidized groceries.
Leaders and bodega owners protested outside the American Deli Mini Market Corp in Harlem, across from a confirmed city-run store location at La Marqueta, slated to open in 2027.
“This is a campaign promise doomed for disaster if allowed,” said Mark Jaffe, president and CEO of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce.
One lawsuit is a class-action filed for “hundreds” of store owners, alleging the city-run stores violate their civil rights. The other seeks to block the stores without necessary studies and analysis.
Mamdani plans to offer essential items at prices 30% below average retail rates. The city will own the land and cover overhead costs, while a private operator manages daily operations and is required to pass savings to customers.
Jaffe argues the plan gives unfair advantage to city-run stores due to subsidized expenses. He believes creating a task force could mitigate harm to small businesses.
Mamdani established the NYC Groceries Task Force and an OPEN Task Force to guide implementation and reduce red tape for small businesses.
Elvis, owner of American Deli Mini Market Corp, expressed concerns about the impact on his business if a city store opens nearby.
“[Mamdani opens this store] in front of [my] business, [I’m] going to go out of business,” Elvis said.
Mamdani defends his plan, stating confidence in its legality and importance. His administration aims to open one city store in each borough by the end of his first term, addressing food insecurity among 1.4 million New Yorkers.
Jaffe continues to insist the plan will harm local businesses, claiming it will drive minority entrepreneurs out of the city.
“It is doomed to fail. We have better ways to help feed struggling people,” Jaffe said.
Leave a Reply