Polymarket Opens NYC's First 'Free Grocery Store' Before City Plan

Hundreds line up in freezing temperatures, but some criticize the execution of the private-sector initiative.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Before Mayor Zohran Mamdani could roll out his promised city-run grocery plan, the private company Polymarket stepped in and opened what it called New York City's first 'free grocery store' in Manhattan. Hundreds of New Yorkers waited in long lines in freezing temperatures, with some praising the private-sector move and others criticizing the execution of the initiative.

Why it matters

This private-sector initiative to provide free groceries to New Yorkers highlights the growing need for food assistance in the city, as well as the potential for private companies to step in and address social issues before the government. However, the execution of the event has raised concerns about transparency and organization.

The details

Polymarket opened the 'free grocery store' in Manhattan, allowing only five people inside at a time. Hundreds of New Yorkers waited in long lines, with some saying they had been there since 12:30 pm. While many praised Polymarket's efforts, some criticized the lack of clarity around how many people would be guaranteed groceries and the overall organization of the event.

  • Polymarket opened the 'free grocery store' in Manhattan on February 12, 2026.
  • Some New Yorkers said they had been waiting in line since 12:30 pm on February 12, 2026.

The players

Polymarket

A private company that opened what it called New York City's first 'free grocery store' in Manhattan.

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who had promised to roll out a city-run grocery plan.

Greg

A New Yorker who had been waiting in line since 12:30 pm and criticized the lack of clarity around how many people would be guaranteed groceries.

Richard

A visitor from California who praised Polymarket's efforts and said the company was 'doing something positive for the world.'

Jordan

A Brooklyn resident who called Polymarket's initiative 'smart' and said the city's plan would likely take 'weeks, probably months.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I mean, I think the concept is great. It's that the execution is where they're falling a little bit.”

— Greg, New Yorker (wabcradio.com)

“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.”

— Richard, Visitor from California (wabcradio.com)

“The city… it's looking like weeks, probably months for them to do something like this.”

— Jordan, Brooklyn resident (wabcradio.com)

What’s next

It remains to be seen how the city will respond to Polymarket's initiative and whether they will be able to roll out their own plan for providing free groceries to New Yorkers in a more organized and transparent manner.

The takeaway

This event highlights the growing need for food assistance in New York City and the potential for private companies to step in and address social issues before the government. However, the execution of Polymarket's initiative has raised concerns about transparency and organization, underscoring the importance of clear communication and planning when implementing such programs.