John Catsimatidis: NYC bodega owners fear city-run store plan
@JCats2013: Bodega owners fear city plan
New York City bodega owners express concern over a proposed plan by Zohran Mamdani to introduce city-run grocery stores.
The initiative, which aims to provide affordable groceries, is seen by many local bodega owners as a threat to their businesses. John Catsimatidis, a well-known businessman and owner of the Gristedes supermarket chain, detailed in a tweet the anxiety these small business owners face.
According to Catsimatidis, the proposal, spearheaded by Mamdani, a New York State Assembly member, could potentially jeopardize the livelihoods of these independent retailers. 'I do not want to lose my job,' said one concerned bodega owner, reflecting the sentiments of many others in the community.
Mamdani's plan aims to combat food insecurity by offering low-cost options through municipally operated stores, a move he argues will support rather than harm the local economy. However, bodega owners fear a loss of customers due to increased competition from the city-run stores. As the proposal unfolds, the tension between maintaining small businesses and ensuring food accessibility remains a point of debate in city politics.
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The debate over city-run grocery stores highlights broader concerns faced by New York entrepreneurs navigating shifting economic landscapesβa theme also evident when John Catsimatidis underscored the implications of major corporate moves, such as Dynasty Financial Partnersβ recent decision to relocate its headquarters to St. Petersburg. Questions of local business stability and competitiveness further recall discussions around industry disruption and environmental impact, topics previously explored in Catsimatidisβs reflections on RFK Jr.βs criticism of offshore wind farms and their consequences for both marine environments and regional economies.
