NYC Mayor Chomps on Fries While Announcing Vaccine Incentive Scheme With Fast-Food Chain

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio chomped on fries and a burger during a press briefing on Thursday, May 13, as he announced that fast-food restaurant chain Shake Shack would be offering free food to customers who can prove they’ve been vaccinated.

De Blasio said many people were ready to be vaccinated but needed an “extra incentive,” before introducing CEO of Shake Shack Randy Garutti, who joined via video call from the company’s first restaurant at Madison Square Park to outline more details of the scheme.

The press briefing then cut back to the mayor, who suddenly had a basket of fries and a burger on his desk. “Did you say, ‘Free fries when you get vaccinated’?” de Blasio asked, before taking bites of a couple of crinkle-cut fries. Picking up the burger, the mayor told viewers, “If this is appealing to you, just think of this when you think of vaccination.”

“Mmmm, vaccination,” the mayor said as he chewed on the burger.

Following the announcement, both city government and Shake Shack social media accounts promoted the incentive. “Want fries with that vax?” the City of New York tweeted.

Shake Shack said “free ShackBurger” vouchers would be available while supplies last to people receiving their shot from New York City’s mobile vaccine bus. For those already vaccinated, Shake Shack was offering free fries with any in-person hamburger or child’s order at New York City restaurants up to June 12. Proof of vaccination was required to take advantage of the offers. Credit: NYC Mayor’s Office via Storyful