- Critics pointed to the New York City Economic Development Corporation's 44-page request for proposals (RFP) as evidence that the "ridiculous idea" would lead to "crappy" stores, according to Chicago restaurateur Nick Kokonas.
- The RFP prefers bidders who "seek to run all five (5) sites," but only two locations – Manhattan and The Bronx – have been identified, Kokonas noted.
- Kokonas called it "Absurd" that bidders must price unknown stores in unknown neighborhoods by assuming they are about 15,000 sq ft.
- The proposed stores would have a "limited" variety of foods while carrying kosher, halal, vegan, dairy-free and diabetic options, and could sell prepared items like "chicken salad, egg salad, potato salad, fruit salad and other deli-prepared foods" – but no food preparation on site or deli counter, according to the RFP.
- City Hall confirmed the taxpayer-subsidized groceries would be available to anyone regardless of income or residency; Kokonas said "No means test. Anyone can shop there."
- Former Gourmet Garage owner Andy Arons said "None of the metrics fit in my experience" and argued increasing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits would be better.
- Fernando Matteo of United Bodegas of America called the grocery plan "a f***ing gimmick" and said it "makes no sense," urging Mamdani to work with existing grocery stores.
Critics are lambasting Zohran Mamdani's NYC grocery store plan, asserting it is fundamentally flawed. Chicago restaurateur Nick Kokonas described the initiative as a 'ridiculous idea' that will result in 'crappy' stores. The New York City Economic Development Corporation's recent RFP highlights significant issues, including the lack of defined locations and a confusing business model.1
Kokonas pointed out that bidders are expected to estimate costs for unknown stores in unknown neighborhoods, which he deemed 'absurd'. The plan aims to offer groceries at 30% below market price, yet it lacks essential features like on-site food preparation or deli counters, raising questions about the feasibility of such offerings.3456
Additionally, the proposal allows anyone, regardless of income, to purchase these taxpayer-subsidized groceries. Kokonas criticized this aspect, stating, 'taxpayers will subsidize groceries for affluent shoppers', while low-income families may not benefit. Former Gourmet Garage owner Andy Arons echoed these sentiments, suggesting that increasing SNAP benefits would be a more effective solution for affordability.910
Fernando Matteo from the United Bodegas of America labeled the grocery plan a 'f—ing gimmick', urging Mamdani to collaborate with existing grocery stores to make a real impact on affordability.1112
“Chicago restaurateur Nick Kokonas noted bidders must price “unknown stores in unknown neighborhoods” based on a 15,000 sq ft assumption, with only two of five sites identified. Former Gourmet Garage owner Andy Arons said “none of the metrics fit in my experience” and urged boosting SNAP benefits instead.”
