New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has been sued by a coalition representing immigrant-owned grocers in response to his plan to open several government-owned stores in the city.
“Although we have not heard from you since May 2026, we are open to resolving this matter amicably with more sensible solutions to feed working class people with nutritious essential food items at affordable prices,” the Multicultural Business Coalition’s President, Kenneth Roldan, wrote in a letter obtained by The New York Post last week.
In an interview with the outlet, Roldan said, “We are at the 11th hour — we have multiple versions of the lawsuits that have been prepared. The federal case will be based on antitrust and predatory pricing. The state cause of action will be tortuous interference and possibly discriminatory practices by the administration.”
During a press conference on the grocery stores last month, Mamdani argued that the “five city-run grocery stores, one in each borough,” will hold a “collection of essential staples that will be predictably 30% cheaper at all of our city-run grocery stores.”
These items include “all fresh produce, meat, and seafood, along with 20 other essential items like cheese, milk and bread,” he claimed.
“Once a month, our five city-run grocery stores will set prices for this core set of goods at 30% below retail prices. No exceptions, no gimmicks,” Mamdani said. “These savings will last for the entire month.”
According to a press release on the grocery stores, the discount will “apply to all regardless of income, with prices locked in and predictable rather than fluctuating week to week as is the case at private grocers,” and is expected to cut residents’ grocery bills by 15%.
