Overview

• Gov. Kathy Hochul publicly dismissed Zohran Mamdani’s grocery initiative at a Hamptons breakfast, declaring she favors free enterprise.
• Supermarket owner John Catsimatidis cited the Kansas City Sun Fresh Market’s $18 million in taxpayer losses and chronic shoplifting as proof such stores fail.
• Mamdani’s campaign estimates the first five municipal stores—one in each borough—would cost about $60 million to build.
• Critics warn city-owned markets could limit brand variety, impose fixed prices and drive private grocers out of business.
• The rebuke underscores growing establishment unease that may influence endorsements as Mamdani remains a frontrunner in the mayoral race.