This sandwich comes with a side of political promises — and a pledge to cut the price.
A Queens deli introduced a sandwich named for Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman on Friday, giving the candidate a platform to promise relief from New York’s increasingly expensive lunch bills.
Called “The Blakeman,” the creation at Mario’s Meats & Gourmet Deli in Queens features freshly roasted turkey, shredded lettuce, an oil-and-vinegar dressing and spicy deli mustard served on a hero roll.
The sandwich currently sells for $15, but Blakeman said he would lower the price to $12 if voters elect him governor on November 3.
“When I become governor it’ll be $12,” he said at the deli. “Gotta make it affordable.”
Blakeman used the lighthearted event to draw attention to the rising cost of running a neighborhood deli. His campaign said the appearance was intended to show how much more expensive it is to operate a shop and prepare a sandwich today than it was five years ago, when Gov. Kathy Hochul took office.
Joe Digangi, owner of the Flushing deli, said Blakeman’s focus on reducing costs resonates after a summer marked by steep fuel and utility bills.
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“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,” he said.
“So, he’s big on energy costs, big on trying to help us out with knocking out those energy costs… And I have a lot of refrigerators, a lot of air conditioners in here, so it’s just a constant, you know, $4,000, $5,000 bill every month,” he said.
Blakeman’s campaign said delis and other small businesses are facing punishing expenses for taxes, electricity, labor, insurance and rent — costs that eventually show up in the prices customers pay at the register.
Addison Dick, a spokesperson for the New York State Democratic Party, countered that Blakeman should match his rhetoric with action.
“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,” Dick said.
When asked why the sandwich bearing his name was made with turkey, Blakeman pointed to his wife’s preference.
“My wife wants me to eat healthy,” he said. “What can I tell ya? You gotta follow orders.”
— Additional reporting by Vaughn Golden
