In a stunning turn of events on June 24, 2025, New York City voters handed Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani a major victory in the mayoral primary, making him the presumptive Democratic nominee for mayor. With former Governor Andrew Cuomo officially conceding late Tuesday night, the focus has now shifted to Mamdani’s bold and controversial plan to create a city-run grocery store system. The plan, which he describes as a “public option for produce,” has drawn sharp criticism from economists, business leaders, and political commentators alike.
Larry O’Connor Warns of a Communist-Style Takeover
On his podcast, LARRY with Larry O’Connor, political host Larry O’Connor minced no words about what he sees as a dangerous shift toward socialism. According to O’Connor, Mamdani’s grocery plan is “pure communism disguised as economic reform.” He blasted the idea as a government power grab that will squeeze out small family-owned businesses and create a state-controlled food monopoly. “It’s like going to the DMV for groceries,” O’Connor joked – but with an undertone of genuine concern. His breakdown warned that once the city becomes the biggest food purchaser in New York, it will control pricing, supply, and regulation all in one swoop.
Grocery Chain CEO Calls It a Recipe for Disaster
John Catsimatidis, CEO of Gristedes supermarkets, expressed similar alarm during an interview with Fox News’ Varney & Co.. Catsimatidis warned that if Mamdani’s plan moves forward, he might be forced to shut down his decades-old grocery business entirely. “I did it for 54 years,” he said, “but I’m not going to let my son inherit a business that can’t compete with City Hall.” He explained that retail food already has razor-thin profit margins, and competing against a tax-funded operation that doesn’t pay rent or property taxes would be impossible. “Florida, here I come,” he said half-jokingly, highlighting how capital flight could be a real outcome.
The ‘Public Option for Produce’ Explained
In one of his TikTok campaign videos, Mamdani laid out his vision: government-owned grocery stores operating without profit motive, exempt from rent, and free from taxes. “We will redirect city funds from corporate supermarkets to city-owned grocery stores,” Mamdani said. But critics like O’Connor questioned what “city funds” are even being spent on corporate supermarkets in the first place. The concern, according to his analysis, is that these redirected funds may come from higher taxes imposed on existing grocery chains – essentially using their own revenue to compete against them.
City Journal’s Ground-Level View: Small Business Speaks Up
Adam Lehodey from City Journal interviewed several small business owners across the city and found widespread skepticism. Hamza, who runs Appleton’s Marketplace, said he understood the need for affordable food but doubted the city could manage such a program without corruption. “If it’s limited to low-income folks, maybe I’d be okay with it,” he said, “but I’ve seen what happens when the city runs things.” Others echoed his doubts, pointing out the city’s lack of retail experience, existing crime problems, and fragile supply chains.
Public Sector Track Record Gives Critics Ammo
O’Connor raised an important point: “Just imagine a grocery store run by the same people who run the DMV.” The idea might sound flippant, but it resonates with those who’ve waited hours at government offices. If the city’s track record with public services like subways, public housing, or sanitation is any indication, skeptics say we could see lines, shortages, and inefficiencies worse than anything seen in the private sector.
Catsimatidis: Let’s Be Real – It Didn’t Work in Moscow
Drawing a historical comparison, Catsimatidis reminded viewers of the failures of Soviet-style economics. “It didn’t work in Moscow,” he said bluntly. “Don’t fight City Hall – but if City Hall takes over your business, you might not have a choice.” He emphasized that while the idea of feeding the public sounds noble, the logistics and economics just don’t add up. “Let him inherit the oil company,” he said of his son. “Not this.”
What Happens to Bodegas and Co-Ops?
Mamdani’s plan doesn’t just threaten big chains like Gristedes. Lehodey’s reporting revealed that small bodegas and co-op markets, often run by immigrant families, could be crushed under city-subsidized competition. Carlos, a bodega owner in Hell’s Kitchen, said flatly, “He’s trying to be Amazon, but New York just doesn’t have that capacity.” Even nonprofit food co-ops told Lehodey they weren’t seeing lower prices than traditional stores, calling into question Mamdani’s promise of dramatic savings.
What Problem Is This Even Solving?
That’s the question many are now asking. Mamdani cites “food deserts” and price gouging as the key problems. But Lehodey points out that grocery profit margins average just 1–2%, and that many closures in New York were due to crime, not lack of funding. “You want cheaper food?” O’Connor said. “Then tackle theft, zoning, and supply chain bottlenecks. Don’t take over the entire industry.”
The Fantasy vs. The Fridge
What’s fascinating about this entire idea is how emotionally appealing it sounds. Lower prices. No profits. City care. But the reality of running a food distribution network, one that deals with spoilage, theft, logistics, labor, rent, and supply shocks, is a nightmare even for professionals. If the city wants to help residents, it could offer tax breaks, fix zoning laws, or create food vouchers, not replace the entire system with bureaucrats and slogans.
AOC’s Endorsement May Tip the Scales
Mamdani’s rise has been fueled in part by high-profile backing, including from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. O’Connor criticized this as TikTok politics: flashy endorsements over sound policy. Yet, with Cuomo bowing out and Mamdani dominating ranked-choice polling, that strategy seems to have worked. Mamdani now faces Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa and Independent incumbent Eric Adams in the general election this November.
The Road Ahead: Slim Path for the Right
As O’Connor notes, New York is still 66% Democrat. But with Mamdani’s radical proposals, a split vote between Adams and Mamdani could open the door for a Republican win. “There’s a lane,” O’Connor said. “A slim one – but it’s there.” History shows that when New York gets bad enough, it sometimes swings back toward the center-right. The question is—how bad does it have to get?
A Test for New Yorkers
This isn’t just a debate about food – it’s a referendum on how much government people are willing to accept in their daily lives. Mamdani’s win might be a victory for the far-left wing of the party, but it’s also a test for New Yorkers. Do they want a city that runs their corner store, or one that supports the people who already do?
As the general election approaches, voters will have to decide: Is this bold reform, or a bureaucratic blunder waiting to happen?
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, John developed a love for the great outdoors early on. With years of experience as a wilderness guide, he’s navigated rugged terrains and unpredictable weather patterns. John is also an avid hunter and fisherman who believes in sustainable living. His focus on practical survival skills, from building shelters to purifying water, reflects his passion for preparedness. When he’s not out in the wild, you can find him sharing his knowledge through writing, hoping to inspire others to embrace self-reliance.