Free Grocery Store in NYC Runs Out of Food, Tickets on First Day

Residents cite concerns over security, long lines, and people cutting in line at the pop-up store opened by a cryptocurrency company.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A pop-up grocery store called The Polymarket, opened by a cryptocurrency-based prediction market, offered free groceries to New York City residents for five days in the West Village. However, the store quickly ran out of tickets and food, leading to long lines, security issues, and complaints from shoppers who were unable to access the free items.

Why it matters

The free grocery store was part of Mayor Zohran Mamdani's campaign promise to open city-run grocery stores to lower food costs in New York. The issues experienced at The Polymarket highlight the challenges of implementing such a program and the potential for unintended consequences when providing free goods.

The details

The Polymarket store offered yellow tickets granting NYC residents entry, but the store quickly ran out of both tickets and food. Shoppers reported long lines, security concerns, and people cutting in line. One resident, Michael, said he only had three cups of soup left at home and was doubtful there would be enough groceries left for him to stock up.

  • The pop-up store opened on Sunday, February 19, 2026 and was open for five days.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The Marxist mayor of New York City who promised to open city-run grocery stores to lower food costs.

The Polymarket

A cryptocurrency-based prediction market that opened the free grocery pop-up store in New York City.

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What they’re saying

“I literally got here at 9:00 … and basically what they said is that they ran out of tickets.”

— Fatima (Fox News)

“They told me that they ran out of tickets. I couldn't get no more food.… I couldn't get access to the store.”

— Sherrod, from Jamaica, Queens (Fox News)

“I've seen a mix of things, like security needs to work on their presentation, dealing with the customers who are of florid backgrounds… because they don't have the customer service expertise.”

— Michael (Fox News)

What’s next

Mayor Mamdani has vowed to learn from the issues experienced at The Polymarket and continue his plans to open city-run grocery stores across the five boroughs.

The takeaway

The problems at the free grocery pop-up store highlight the challenges of implementing government-run programs to provide free goods, including issues with supply, security, and customer service. These early issues may foreshadow difficulties as Mayor Mamdani moves forward with his plan for city-owned grocery stores.