NYC Deli Names Sandwich After Gubernatorial Candidate Bruce Blakeman, Vows to Lower Lunch Costs
The "Blakeman" sandwich, priced at $15, is part of the Republican candidate's platform to reduce the cost of living in New York.
A New York City deli has unveiled a new sandwich named in honor of Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman, who used the occasion to reiterate his pledge to reduce the cost of everyday expenses for New Yorkers.
"The Blakeman," featured at Mario’s Meats & Gourmet Deli in Queens, is prepared with roasted turkey, shredded lettuce, vinaigrette, and spicy deli mustard on a hero roll. Currently priced at $15, Blakeman stated that if elected governor, he would work to lower the price to $12.
During a media event at the deli on Friday, Blakeman's campaign highlighted that the sandwich's price point reflects the increased operating costs for small businesses. According to a press release from his team, the campaign aims to draw attention to how much more expensive it has become for neighborhood delis to offer goods compared to five years ago, when Kathy Hochul took office.
Joe Digangi, the owner of Mario's Meats & Gourmet Deli, shared that Blakeman's focus on reducing costs resonates with him, particularly concerning energy expenses. "My whole thing is with the prices of electric and gas. The summer was ridiculous for us. We were making money, yes, but it was going in one hand and out the other," Digangi said. He noted that his business incurs significant monthly utility bills due to refrigeration and air conditioning needs, estimating them to be between $4,000 and $5,000.
Blakeman's campaign emphasized that expenses such as taxes, electricity, labor, insurance, and rent all contribute to the final prices consumers see. The candidate attributed the turkey filling of his namesake sandwich to his wife's preference for healthy eating.
However, the New York State Democratic Party criticized Blakeman's initiative. Spokesperson Addison Dick stated, "New Yorkers know baloney when they see it – Blakeman still has no beef with Trump’s tariffs that are sending grocery prices skyrocketing and forcing New Yorkers to spend all their bread on basic necessities."