In a bid to revitalize the city's street food scene, Mayor Zohran Mamdani made a bold promise to voters: "make halal $8 again." However, a year into his tenure, street vendors are speaking out about the challenges they're facing in keeping their prices affordable. Licensing issues and skyrocketing food costs have made it increasingly difficult for vendors to maintain their traditional pricing, leaving many to wonder if the mayor's promise will remain unfulfilled. As the city's food scene continues to evolve, will Mamdani's administration be able to deliver on its promise, or will the costs of doing business prove too high?
Mayor Zohran Mamdani famously promised to "make halal $8 again." Street vendors say licensing issues and rising food prices make that difficult.
