New York Billionaire Supermarket Owner Opposes Mamdani's City-Run Grocery Store Plan After Historic Mayoral Win

New York City supermarket tycoon and billionaire John Catsimatidis expressed strong disapproval following Zohran Mamdani's victory in the mayoral election on Tuesday.

The founder of Red Apple Group bluntly stated, "I don't give a sh*t about grocery stores," in reference to Mamdani's proposal to establish city-operated grocery stores intended to provide more affordable food options across all boroughs, according to The NY Post.

Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, has built his campaign around improving grocery affordability and addressing "food deserts" throughout the city. His initiative would begin with five government-owned stores, strategically located in each borough, offering food at reduced prices by eliminating overhead expenses such as rent and taxes.

Business leaders, including Catsimatidis, view this plan as potentially detrimental, noting that grocery businesses typically operate with narrow profit margins and government-run establishments could potentially undercut private enterprises.

Catsimatidis, who operates supermarket chains including Gristedes and D'Agostino's, expressed concern that Mamdani's policies might deteriorate the quality of life in New York City, potentially driving residents away due to elevated costs and taxes.

"New York can't afford to lose more people," he remarked.

The billionaire further mentioned that his primary concerns centered on Mamdani's potential reduction of police forces and his future judicial appointments.

Mamdani has made history as the first Muslim and youngest individual in over a century to govern America's largest city. Following his landmark victory, Mamdani stated, "Thank you, New York City. Together, we made history. Now it's time to get to work."

The newly elected mayor has proposed an extensive 'Tax the Rich' policy focusing on implementing an additional 2 percent income tax surcharge on city residents earning above $1 million yearly, while also increasing the state corporate income tax rate to approximately 11.5 percent to align with neighboring New Jersey. His strategy, framed as promoting economic equity, aims to generate roughly $9-10 billion annually to fund expanded public services including free transit, universal childcare, and affordable housing.

The son of renowned Indian filmmaker Mira Nair and Ugandan scholar Mahmood Mamdani, Zohran Mamdani secured his victory by defeating former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who campaigned as an Independent, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.

Mamdani obtained more than 50 percent of votes, while Cuomo received just over 40 percent, and Sliwa garnered 7 percent.