Immigrant owners of New York City food businesses are reportedly preparing to sue Mayor Zohran Mamdani over his proposed taxpayer-funded supermarkets. They argue that publicly financed stores offering lower prices would place independent grocers and bodegas at an unfair disadvantage, potentially threatening small businesses that serve local neighbourhoods.

Mamdani’s plan allocates $70 million for five city-owned grocery stores, with discounts of up to 30% on staple goods and the first opening expected in 2027. He says the scheme responds to sharply rising food prices, while opponents question its cost and whether the city should compete directly with existing retailers.