United States Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler discussed New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s plan for government-run grocery stores in New York City during a press conference on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 57s All American Grill, located at 33-45 Francis Lewis Blvd. along the border of Flushing and Bayside.
Loeffler, joined by New York City Council Member Vickie Paladino, Greater New York Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mark Jaffe and Bodega and Small Business Group Founder Francisco Marte, expressed her criticism of Mamdani’s plan.
One of the central criticisms from Loeffler was that these grocery stores would hurt business at nearby bodegas. “Those bodega owners’ tax dollars are being weaponized against them to try to take away their business,” Loeffler said.
Mamdani hopes to have five city-owned grocery stores – one in each borough – opened by 2029. These stores are intended to bring more healthy food at more affordable prices to more residents across the city…