020427 PETA Celebrates Burger King's Veggie

Reno, NV - Animal rights activists had it their way as they celebrated Burger King's new "BK Veggie," which they say is the first vegetarian burger offered by a fast food chain.

"We think going vegetarian is the best thing people can do and Burger King has made that easier," said Kristie Phelps of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, as she handed out samples at the newest Reno store.

The $1.99 flame-broiled, soy-free patty contains a blend of vegetables, grains and spices on a sesame seed bun. Topped with reduced-fat mayonnaise, lettuce and tomatoes, the burger has 10 grams of fat and 330 calories. A Whopper has 39 grams of fat and 680 calories.

Phelps and Brandi Valladolid wore green bikini outfits with mock-lettuce leaves and waved signs at honking traffic to help PETA kick off a West Coast campaign that takes them next to Sacramento, San Diego and Los Angeles.

PETA conducted a similar rally near Burger King's corporate headquarters in Miami last month shortly after the new burger was announced, footing the bill for the giveaway of about 200 in an hour.

Last year, the world's No. 2 fast food chain was condemned in hundreds of protests held by animal-rights activists and vegetarians.

Phelps estimated that PETA held nearly 1,000 anti-Burger King demonstrations since 2000.

Burger King officials welcome the publicity.

"After all, our first name is `Burger,'" said Ken Johnson, director of operations for 12 restaurants in northern Nevada. "For them to support what we are trying to do is definitely beneficial."

A few customers refused the free sample Tuesday, but Ranson Roser of Reno, a self- described "meat guy," gave his first taste a thumbs-up.

"I only eat meat on pizzas. My wife can't get me to eat my vegetables but this is really good. It was worth the experiment," he said.

The veggie burger debuted at all 8,500 Burger King restaurants in the United States in March. It has been available for some time in Canada and other countries.

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