💼 Business · Business Insider
Mamdani's 'make halal $8 again' promise was a campaign hit. NYC vendors say their costs are crushing. - Business Insider
From Business Insider via USVI News: Mayor Zohran Mamdani famously promised to "make halal $8 again." Street vendors say licensing issues and rising food prices make that difficult.
Tamer Hassan is ready to get out of the street food game.
He manages four food carts — smoothies, hot dogs, chicken and rice — on 49th Street, just off Times Square. At 45, he's been doing it for a decade.
He loves the work, but is determined to leave the industry in the next five years, which means selling his business or convincing his son (an 18-year-old engineering student) to take over. The hours on his feet in all kinds of weather feel impossible to keep up with as he ages. Not to mention the meager returns.
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