New York City, November 25, 2025
Fernando Mateo, co-founder of the United Bodegas of America, has resigned after the organization endorsed Zohran Mamdani for mayor, calling it a betrayal of bodega owners. In response, he has formed the Bodega Alliance to better represent small businesses. The endorsement sparked division in the community, with concerns about increased competition from city-owned grocery stores, raising questions about the future of bodega sustainability.
New York City Bodega Leader Resigns Over Mayoral Endorsement
New York City – Fernando Mateo, co-founder of the United Bodegas of America (UBA), recently resigned from the organization following its endorsement of Zohran Mamdani for mayor. Mateo characterized the decision as a betrayal of bodega owners and a breach of the group’s bylaws, which expressly prohibit political endorsements. In light of this, he announced the establishment of a new coalition, the Bodega Alliance, with the aim of better representing the interests of small business owners across the city.
The UBA, which advocates on behalf of over 14,000 bodegas throughout New York State, supported Mamdani, a Democratic socialist candidate, citing his commitment to addressing small business concerns. However, the endorsement has sparked divisions within the community as some bodegas have voiced apprehensions regarding possible competition from city-owned grocery stores that Mamdani has proposed. This fear of increased competition raises important questions about the sustainability of small, independently owned bodegas.
Differing Perspectives Within the Bodega Community
In a contrasting stance, the Bodega and Small Business Group, led by Francisco Marte, has publicly backed former Governor Andrew Cuomo. While the group does not formally endorse candidates, they express a preference for Cuomo, citing his focus on public safety and the detrimental effects that city-owned stores might have on the bodega business model. This divergent support underscores a broader debate within New York City’s small business community regarding the future of bodegas and their crucial role in the economy.
The Formation of the Bodega Alliance
Following his resignation, Fernando Mateo’s creation of the Bodega Alliance aims to unite small business owners who feel that their voices are not being adequately represented. The alliance is positioned as a response to the evolving political landscape and seeks to advocate for concerns specific to bodegas, particularly in regards to public policy and regulations that may impact their viability.
Concerns Over City-Owned Grocery Stores
One of the main points of contention surrounding Mamdani’s proposed policies is the impact of city-owned grocery stores on bodegas. Critics within the community argue that the presence of city-run stores could lead to unfair competition, undermining the business foundation of independent bodegas. The interplay of public versus private competition is a critical issue that many small businesses are closely monitoring as the election approaches.
The Broader Economic Context
As the mayoral election nears, the differing endorsements and the formation of new coalitions will likely shape discussions around policies affecting small businesses and community safety in New York City. The bodega sector has long been a vital component of the local economy, providing not only essential goods but also employment and community engagement. Balancing these interests with emerging political agendas is key to maintaining the resilience and innovation that characterize New York’s small business landscape.
Conclusion
The resignation of Fernando Mateo and the subsequent endorsement controversy highlight the dynamic landscape facing New York’s bodega community. As local entrepreneurs navigate these challenges, continued engagement and support for small businesses remain essential. Readers are encouraged to stay informed about the political landscape and consider the far-reaching effects of city policies on the fabric of New York’s neighborhoods.
Why did Fernando Mateo resign from the United Bodegas of America?
Fernando Mateo resigned from the United Bodegas of America after the organization endorsed Zohran Mamdani for mayor, which he viewed as a betrayal of bodega owners and a violation of the group’s bylaws that prohibit political endorsements. In response, he announced the formation of the Bodega Alliance to better represent small business owners.
What is the Bodega and Small Business Group’s stance on the mayoral election?
The Bodega and Small Business Group, led by Francisco Marte, has publicly supported former Governor Andrew Cuomo. While the group does not officially endorse candidates, they favor Cuomo, believing he is the best option available to address concerns over public safety and the impact of city-owned stores on small businesses.
What are the main concerns regarding Zohran Mamdani’s proposed policies?
Critics of Zohran Mamdani’s proposed policies, particularly within the bodega community, express concerns over the establishment of city-owned grocery stores. They fear this could lead to unfair competition and negatively impact the viability of small, independently owned bodegas.
How has the United Bodegas of America responded to the controversy?
The United Bodegas of America, representing over 14,000 bodegas across New York State, endorsed Zohran Mamdani for mayor. This decision has led to internal divisions, with some members expressing concerns over potential competition from city-owned grocery stores and the impact on small businesses.
What is the Bodega Alliance?
The Bodega Alliance is a new coalition formed by Fernando Mateo after his resignation from the United Bodegas of America. The alliance aims to better represent the interests of small business owners, particularly bodegas, in New York City.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Resignation of Fernando Mateo | Fernando Mateo resigned from the United Bodegas of America following its endorsement of Zohran Mamdani for mayor, citing a betrayal of bodega owners and a violation of the group’s bylaws. |
| Formation of the Bodega Alliance | In response to his resignation, Mateo announced the formation of the Bodega Alliance, a new coalition aimed at better representing the interests of small business owners. |
| Endorsement of Zohran Mamdani | The United Bodegas of America endorsed Zohran Mamdani for mayor, leading to internal divisions within the organization and the broader bodega community. |
| Bodega and Small Business Group’s Support for Cuomo | The Bodega and Small Business Group, led by Francisco Marte, publicly supported former Governor Andrew Cuomo, emphasizing concerns over public safety and the impact of city-owned stores on small businesses. |
| Concerns Over City-Owned Grocery Stores | Critics of Mamdani’s proposed policies, particularly within the bodega community, express concerns over the establishment of city-owned grocery stores, fearing unfair competition and negative impacts on small businesses. |
Now Happening on X
- @CityDeskNYC (November 24, 2025): Posts criticizing Mamdani’s pro-business advisors as ineffective shields for his harmful policies, including $30 wage mandates, rent freezes, and city-run grocery stores that threaten bodegas. View on X
- @CityDeskNYC (November 25, 2025): Highlights the contradiction in Jessica Ramos supporting UFCW wage fights while backing Mamdani’s $30 minimum wage policy, which has reduced hiring at bodegas and small businesses citywide. View on X
- @ASm1thee (November 24, 2025): Discusses polling on American views of border issues and links it to broader business concerns in New York, referencing related articles. View on X
- @nws (November 19, 2025): Questions whether Mamdani can secure funding for subsidized citywide grocery stores, dismissing concerns about them putting bodegas out of business as exaggerated. View on X
- @Arkadalo (November 19, 2025): Warns that Mamdani’s $30 minimum wage and city-run grocery stores would devastate bodegas, restaurants, and small shops already struggling in NYC. View on X
- @CityDeskNYC (November 18, 2025): Describes Mamdani’s city-run grocery plan as a costly failure wasting taxpayer money and competing directly with bodegas, comparing it to failed policies elsewhere. View on X
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