Immigrant grocers to sue NYC over Mamdani's supermarket plan

A coalition of immigrant-owned grocers plans to sue New York City as soon as this week over Mayor Zohran Mamdani's proposal to open government-owned supermarkets, according to a letter obtained by The New York Post.

The Multicultural Business Coalition, representing 50 chambers of commerce from Asian, African, Caribbean, Hispanic, Middle Eastern and Jewish-owned businesses, sent a last-ditch letter to City Hall on Wednesday. The group's president, Kenneth Roldan, said the coalition has prepared multiple versions of the lawsuit.

"We are at the 11th hour – we have multiple versions of the lawsuits that have been prepared," Roldan told The Post. "The federal case will be based on antitrust and predatory pricing. The state cause of action will be tortious interference and possibly discriminatory practices by the administration."

The city's plan calls for five government-owned supermarkets that would not pay rent or taxes. Operators would offer a 30% discount on basic items like produce, meat, milk, cheese and bread. City Hall projects the markdown will save shoppers an average of $90 a month, or roughly 15% off their bill. Nearly $40 million has been earmarked for the first two locations, in Harlem and the Bronx at Hunts Point. The remaining three sites have not been confirmed. The city issued a request for proposals and is seeking operators, with bids due Oct. 16.