Bodega owners and leaders from the United Bodegas of America criticized Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani's proposal for city-run grocery stores, claiming it poses a threat to thousands of local workers and reflects a shift toward communism. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, aims to establish five municipal stores to alleviate food insecurity. However, UBA spokesperson Fernando Mateo contended that government-operated stores would undermine bodega businesses and jeopardize the livelihoods of 25,000 workers. Despite Mamdani's intentions, Mateo expressed disbelief that government could effectively manage such ventures, citing a lack of expertise in running successful businesses.
This is not a communist country. This is a capitalist country where immigrants came to work and progress, and we are here because we are in disbelief that the government is going to come in and set up bodegas where we're located. That cannot happen.
Fernando Mateo, the speaker of UBA, stated that municipal grocery stores would drive bodegas out of business and hurt the 25,000 workers that UBA represents.
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