Photo: WB, WABC Radio
(New York, NY) — Before Mayor Zohran Mamdani could roll out his promised city-run grocery plan, Polymarket stepped in first — opening what it called New York City’s first “free grocery store” in Manhattan.
Hundreds wrapped around blocks in freezing temperatures. Only five people were allowed inside at a time. Some waited for hours.
Greg, a New Yorker who said he’d been “out in the cold since, like, 12:30,” said, “I mean, I think the concept is great. It’s that the execution is where they’re falling a little bit.”
He said organizers initially told people 300 were guaranteed entry — then the message changed. “If you’re going to cut the line and it’s only 300 people with the bags, then just say that right off the bat, right? And be very, very clear. Not this ambiguity.”
When asked how it felt to possibly wait 4 or 5 hours and still not get groceries, he said, “That’s kind of scary.”
Still, many praised the private-sector move — especially the fact it happened before City Hall acted.
Richard, visiting from California, said, “I think Polymarket’s doing a great job as being clear who they are and acting, so I’m happy that they’re doing something positive for the world.” He added, “Polymarket took some of that money instead of making it a glamorous and flashy ad, they decided to buy groceries and give back to New Yorkers… So I think it’s amazing.”
Jordan from Brooklyn called it “Smart.” Asked about the city taking longer, he said, “The city… it’s looking like weeks, probably months for them to do something like this.”
Asher said, “It’s interesting to see the private sector lead before the public sector.”
Not everyone viewed it as a political jab. Thomas from Rockaway Beach said, “I don’t think it was an empty promise. I think it’s a great idea.”
But even supporters acknowledged the optics. Greg said, “Obviously… this is one of his agenda points. But obviously it seems like they beat him to the punch.”
By late afternoon, lines were still long and temperatures were still dropping. Some New Yorkers were unsure whether they would walk away with free groceries — or just a long wait in the cold.
