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Mamdani's Government-Run Grocery Store Plan Draws Fresh Scrutiny After What Just Happened in Missouri

Leah Barkoukis
Leah Barkoukis  |  August 13, 2025 10:00 AM

Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has made headlines for one of his eyebrow-raising plans if elected NYC mayor to open five publicly owned grocery stores. And while proponents argue his idea isn’t as far-fetched as some say, pointing to other city-owned stores across the nation, what happened this week in Missouri is drawing fresh scrutiny over the 33-year-old assemblyman’s plan. 

Sun Fresh Market in Kansas City, a publicly funded grocery store that opened in 2018 as part of a revitalization project in the city, has faced numerous struggles over the years, as documented by local media. On Tuesday, customers showed up to closed doors and a vague note on the door. 

“Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, we are no longer, at this time, able to serve the residents of this community,” read the sign. “It has always been our dream and passion to provide quality products and services in a safe, family environment. At this time, unfortunately, we are unable to do that.”

Last month, KSHB 41 reporter Alyssa Jackson's report on the store drew national attention.

A rancid odor fills the market, with shoppers turned off by bare shelves and coolers, along with empty meat and deli departments.

Jannine Owens told KSHB 41's Alyssa Jackson on Monday she's been shopping at the store since it opened, but in recent weeks, she can't leave with everything she needs.

"We need answers because at the end of the day, that don't make sense," Owens said.

The City of Kansas City owns the shopping center.

The Sun Fresh Market is part of a Community Improvement District (CID).

The city collects revenue from a 1% retail sales tax on purchases in the CID to help pay for the development.

The Linwood Shopping Center was a $15 million public/private investment.

Over the years, the city has spent tens of thousands of dollars on security because of persistent crime problems. [...]

Through its subsidiary, Midtown Grocers, LLC, the Sun Fresh Market is owned and operated by the nonprofit, Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC).

CBKC, which states on its website that it has secured $225 million of investment in urban renewal since 1991, took ownership of the grocery store in 2022.

The closure had critics drawing comparisons to Mamdani's plan.

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In advocating for his plan, Mamdani previously argued they work.