Struggling city-owned Missouri market similar to Zohran Mamdanis NYC grocery store proposal shuts its doors

A publicly funded grocery store in Missouri abruptly closed Tuesday morning — leaving a note on the entrance stating it can no longer serve residents due to circumstances “beyond our control.”Sun Fresh Market in Kansas City — which opened in 2018 as part of a multi-million-dollar revitalization plan — mysteriously shuttered just weeks after viral footage exposed the struggling store’s bare shelves, foul odor and frustrated clientele.The alarming footage, taken by local outlet KSHB 41, sparked renewed skepticism of Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani’s signature proposal to bring city-owned markets to the Big Apple if he’s elected mayor.“Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, we are no longer, at this time, able to serve the residents of this community,” a sign posted outside the store read, KSHB reported.

“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.”The store — located in a city-owned building — was opened as part of a $15 million revitalization project aimed at rejuvenating the community.

However, the area quickly became plagued by crime and safety issues, according to the report.Despite receiving millions in taxpayer funding since opening and thousands more for security upgrades, the store still struggled to stock the shelves with produce and other essential goods.The store’s nonprofit owner told the outlet in a statement that its Midtown location can longer serve residents as of Tuesday, without providing an explanation.

The sudden shutdown comes a few months after Mamdani secured the New York City Democratic mayoral nomination with a campaign centered on affordability, including a plan to establish a $65 million network of government-owned grocery stores, with one located in each of the five boroughs.The Queens assemblyman has repeatedly claimed that city funds would be redirected ...