Mayor Mamdani Announces NYC's First City-Run Grocery Store

The administration of Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced that La Marqueta in East Harlem will be developed as New York City's first city-run grocery store. The project, funded by city capital funds, is planned to open by the end of 2027, with a goal of establishing one municipal grocery store in each of the city's five boroughs by the end of 2029.

Announcement and Plan Details

The announcement was made during a rally in Queens marking Mayor Mamdani's first 100 days in office.

The administration's plan involves renovating existing structures rather than constructing new buildings. The city intends to partner with third-party grocery operators and collaborate on pricing and labor models. According to the announcement, future sites for the four additional stores will be selected soon.

Background on La Marqueta

La Marqueta was first established in 1936 by Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia as a permanent home for over 400 pushcart vendors. It became a major food hub for East Harlem, reportedly serving more than 25,000 patrons daily at its peak.

Data from the mayor's office indicates that in East Harlem, nearly 38% of households received public assistance or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in the past year, and 59% of households were unable to afford basic needs.

Official Statements

"When corporations control every part of the food supply chain, prices go up, wages stay flat, and workers and customers both lose. That is why we are advancing a public option -- one rooted in the belief that our city can and must intervene where the market has failed... This is about ensuring that every New Yorker, regardless of income or ZIP code, has access to fresh, healthy food at a price they can afford."

— Mayor Zohran Mamdani

"Today's announcement by the mayor of new city-run grocery stores is just another example of government working for the people."

— U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders

"This means access to affordable, healthy food that is hopefully culturally relevant."

— City Councilwoman Elsie Encarnacion

City Councilman Yusef Salaam stated, "Food is a basic human right... The opening of a municipal grocery store by Mayor Mamdani in East Harlem... is a significant step toward fighting food insecurity in our communities."

Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, said, "As the Administration seeks ways to lower the cost of groceries for New Yorkers, we look forward to working with it to make sure these stores deliver for families and workers alike."