Critics have criticized Mayor Zohran Mamdani's plan for five city-owned grocery stores, claiming it has a bad business model. The New York City Economic Development Corporation's 44-page RFP, seeking vendors to run the shops, revealed that only two locations, one in Manhattan and the other in The Bronx, have been identified by City Hall. Critics, including Chicago restaurateur Nick Kokonas, argue that the plan will lead to "crappy" stores. The RFP also notes that the city will pay for the design and fit out of the stores, while the responsibility for the upkeep of the store will fall on the operators. The plan also includes a "Core Basket" of goods, which will be offered at 30% below market price, which can be purchased from anyone, regardless of income or residency.