When politicians are in Philadelphia they get a cheesesteak, when they are in Pittsburgh, they head to Primanti’s. What seemed like a standard political campaign stop turned into a full-blown public relations crisis when Vice Presidential nominee JD Vance was denied entrance into an East Hills Primanti Bros. location where supporters were waiting.
In a video posted online, supporters inside the restaurant could be seen showing their frustration when an employee of the establishment denied Vance entrance. According to witnesses, the employee in question could be heard telling Vance to remain in his car because they didn’t want the location used as a ‘campaign event.’
NEW: JD Vance barred from entering Primanti Bros in North Versailles, PA as supporters waited for him inside, decided to pay for everyone's tabs anyway & signed with "No Taxes on Tips"
When Vance arrived, he was reportedly told he wasn't allowed to leave his car because the… pic.twitter.com/GCuAqDYCs1
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 28, 2024
The Primanti Bros. location in Moon Twp. previously allowed the Democrat ticket of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz to host a campaign event at their location just last month. The location allegedly cleared out the restaurant of all patrons before the candidates arrived so it could be filled with their supporters.
Going to @primantibros in Pittsburgh is the cultural touchstone equivalent of getting a cheesesteak in Philadelphia. Problem for Primanti instead of welcoming to both sides they welcomed Kamala Harris here & not Vance
Cannot be understated the grace @JDVance handled this with https://t.co/yqISx6VWN4 pic.twitter.com/sBwKwtenuv— ZitoSalena (@ZitoSalena) September 28, 2024
In a statement posted to social media, the company claimed it wasn’t political discrimination, but a misunderstanding caused by some ‘momentary confusion’ and an employee who got a “little nervous given the Secret Service, police, and crowd.”
They also claimed that after the confusion was cleared up, Vance was allowed into the establishment and left on a cordial note. This claim was refuted by Allegheny County Councilman and Republican Committee Chairman Sam Demarco in a statement on X.
While Senator Vance was extremely gracious today about being denied entry to Primanti’s today, this statement is NOT accurate. Senator Vance was denied entry and he and his team were NOT welcomed into the restaurant after the initial “confusion.” Perhaps Primanti’s isn’t being… https://t.co/CcsRRoiGbm
— Sam DeMarco 🇺🇸🇮🇱 (@sdemarcoii) September 29, 2024
Many, including an advisor to former President Trump, took to various online forums to call for a full-on boycott of the Pittsburgh staple. One supporter called for the company to get the ‘bud light treatment’, recalling the successful recent boycott of beer company Anheuser-Busch.
Despite the online outrage, Vance appeared in good spirits following the visit.
“We paid for everybody’s food, we gave them a nice tip and of course, when I gave a nice tip, I said no taxes on tips,” said Vance, referring to a proposal to end taxes on workers’ tips that is favored by his running mate Donald Trump. “It’s all right, don’t hold it against (the worker). She just got a little nervous, but it’s a great local business. Let’s keep on supporting it.”
JD Vance is all class and kindness even after being refused entry to Primanti Bros in PA where his supporters had been waiting to see him.
The true judge of a man is how he handles adverse situations.pic.twitter.com/5TWNvi9xlT
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) September 28, 2024
