NEW YORK (VInnews) — New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani held a press briefing Tuesday morning revealing the first location for the city’s planned network of municipally backed grocery stores.

Mayor Mamdani Holds Press Conference with Deputy Mayor Su to Discuss City-Owned Grocery Store https://t.co/Rct1sda7Lk

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) April 14, 2026

Officials said East Harlem’s La Marqueta has been selected as the initial site for the program, which aims to lower food costs and expand access to affordable groceries across the five boroughs.

The roughly 9,000-square-foot store is expected to open by 2029, with the first location in the broader initiative slated to launch as early as 2027. City leaders said the plan calls for one store in each borough by the end of the mayor’s term.

Under the proposal, the city will own the property and cover major overhead costs, while a private operator will manage day-to-day operations with requirements to pass savings on to consumers.

Officials said the initiative is intended to address rising grocery prices and improve access to fresh food, particularly in underserved communities. The administration has also created a task force to guide implementation.

La Marqueta, a historic public market in East Harlem, currently supports dozens of small businesses and vendors. Officials said selecting the site builds on its longstanding role as a neighborhood food hub.