Recipients of the COVID-19 vaccine aren’t only protected from a deadly virus — they’re also eligible for a free cheesecake!
Beloved pastry purveyors at Junior’s Restaurant in Downtown Brooklyn will begin offering cupcake-sized cheesecakes to anyone who’s received the vaccine beginning on Monday, hoping the new baked goods initiative will encourage locals to get inoculated.
“We wanted to do our small part to advocate for getting the vaccine, and we noticed some people have been hesitant, so we saw an opportunity through an avenue we know best — our cheesecake!” said owner Alan Rosen, whose grandfather opened the restaurant in 1950. “If our mini cheesecakes can get these folks one step closer to getting the vaccine, then we are grateful.”
Anyone who has received a shot of the COVID-19 jab can bring their vaccination card to Juniors’ outpost at the intersection of Flatbush Avenue Extension and DeKalb Avenue to pick up their free dessert anytime between March 29 and Memorial Day weekend.
Hungry Brooklynites can also pick up other scores of sweet treats with a vaccine — as donut makers at Krispy Kreme are offering free pastries to any vaccinated individuals, although their initiative touched off a fiery debate on Twitter over the chain’s nutritional prowess.
Junior’s 140-calorie mini cheesecakes are miniature versions of the Original New York Cheesecake. The desserts are made with cream cheese, heavy cream, eggs, and a touch of vanilla atop a layer of spongecake, according to Rosen, who said that the restaurant has done everything in its power to encourage getting the vaccine.
“We’ve even offered our own employees two paid days off to get their [vaccine]!” he said. “That’s how important we think this is. We’re willing to put our cheesecake behind it!”
