August 1, 2025 New York - NY An investigation into the New York City Department of Education's (DOE) spending has revealed that the agency approved nearly $750,000 in catering expenses for a single Brooklyn restaurant in fiscal year 2025. The hefty tab, which came to light through expense records and government communications obtained by amNewYork, has prompted sharp criticism from City Comptroller Brad Lander, who is now questioning the mayor's supervision of the city's public school system.

The controversy centers on Fusion East, a restaurant located in Brooklyn. According to a March 5 letter sent to the DOE by Deputy Comptroller Charlette Hamamgian, the Comptroller's office was alerted to a series of 13 consecutive invoices from the establishment. The invoices, all addressed to the Brownsville Collaborative Middle School, were for events held between August 28 and September 6, 2024, and totaled just under $20,000.

This spending spree has ignited a debate about fiscal responsibility and the oversight of public funds within the city's education system. The Comptroller's office is now seeking further clarification from the DOE on the nature of these expenses and the process by which they were approved. The revelations raise significant questions about the checks and balances in place to prevent such large, concentrated expenditures.