New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) ate Shake Shack during a briefing to promote a deal the city made in which the company would provide free food for those who get vaccinated.
Starting Thursday, New York City residents can get a voucher for a free ShackBurger when they get vaccinated at a New York City mobile vaccine bus, Shake Shack said Wednesday.
Through June 12, people who get vaccinated and provide proof of their vaccination can get free Crinkle Cut Fries with the purchase of a burger or sandwich.
During a press conference on Thursday, de Blasio promoted the deal by eating a Shake Shack meal.
“Free fries when you get vaccinated,” the mayor said just before taking a bite of fries.
“I got vaccinated. You’re saying I could get this delicious fries? Wait a minute, but there’s also a burger element to this?”
De Blasio then grabbed the burger, and implored residents to think about the burger when they think of getting vaccinated.
“I want you to look at this and think about, again some people love hamburgers and some don’t. We want to respect all ways of life,” de Blasio said.
“But if this is appealing to you, think about this when you think of vaccination,” de Blasio said just before taking a bite into the burger.
“Mmm, vaccinations,” de Blasio said as he chewed his bite. “I’m getting a very good feeling about vaccination right now.”
The move comes as New York City forges ahead with its vaccination efforts.
Thus far, the city has administered more than 7.2 million doses of a coronavirus vaccine. Forty-six percent of its total population have received one dose, while 37 percent have been fully vaccinated.