Several immigrant business owners in New York City are preparing to sue Mayor Zohran Mamdani over his proposal to open five city-owned grocery stores funded by taxpayers. These stores would sell food at prices up to 30% below traditional retailers, a move that the Multicultural Business Coalition (MBC) says threatens small businesses such as competing stores and bodegas.

The New York Post first reported on July 29th that the MBC board voted to file a lawsuit against the city. According to MBC Chairman Frank Garcia, the coalition plans to send a letter to Mamdani's office in the coming days outlining their legal intentions. If the mayor does not respond or meet with the group within three weeks, they intend to proceed with the lawsuit.

Garcia stated, "The [New York City] commissioner said this administration is open to speak to everybody, and they want to hear from everybody." He added that although the lawsuit has not yet been filed, their lawyers will be "ready to go" after the deadline, supported by various civil rights organizations with funding already secured.

The announcement follows renewed criticism of Mamdani's city-backed grocery stores plan, which some have labeled a "communist fantasy." Garcia also expressed frustration over the lack of meetings with city officials, saying, "So I've been waiting for a meeting for a couple of months. Why aren't they having me?" and affirmed, "We are ready to file the lawsuit if the mayor doesn't meet with us."

Sources