Allegheny County GOP Chairman Sam DeMarco has taken issue with Primanti Bros’ handling of the incident involving Ohio Senator and Trump running mate JD Vance, who was denied entry to their North Versailles location on Sunday. Vance had arrived at the restaurant to greet Trump supporters but was turned away by staff.
According to witnesses, a Primanti Bros employee informed Vance’s campaign that the restaurant was “not a campaign stop” and declared that “JD’s not allowed in.” The situation escalated when the restaurant manager allegedly threatened to call the police if Vance and his team did not leave. Supporters of Vance, frustrated by the refusal, booed the staff as they were escorted out.
The incident quickly drew attention, and Vance’s supporters rallied outside the restaurant, protesting the treatment of the senator. However, Primanti Bros issued a statement on social media claiming the situation was merely a misunderstanding. The restaurant insisted that, after brief confusion, Vance and his team were eventually allowed inside to engage with guests. They attributed the confusion to nerves among the staff, given the presence of the Secret Service, police, and large crowds.
Primanti Brothers is owned by Authentic Restaurant Brands.
Last month Primanti Brothers kicked out all their patrons and brought in paid actors when Kamala Harris was visiting their restaurant.
Today, Primanti Brothers stopped JD Vance from entering their establishment after… pic.twitter.com/Gn5gl3WAGh
— The Liberal Lampoon (@Liberal_Lampoon) September 28, 2024
This is a video of the hospitality @primantibros provided to everyone waiting for @JDVance pic.twitter.com/fdyzxQWtOn
— Anissa Zappala (@anissa_zappala) September 28, 2024
I will now post all Primanti Brothers videos from today. They absolutely banned JD Vance from their restaurant. #PrimantiBros pic.twitter.com/SfPFzIcUdA
— Sean Logue (@SeanLogue18) September 28, 2024
#PrimantiBrothers Vance video 1 pic.twitter.com/VuKH37VMpM
— Sean Logue (@SeanLogue18) September 28, 2024
The restaurant’s statement read:
“Primanti’s prides itself on being a staple of the Pittsburgh community and a proud American business that has hosted sitting presidents, politicians, and political candidates from across the spectrum for over 90 years. Our doors are open to all patrons who wish to dine with us. Without any advance notice, today’s campaign stop caused some momentary confusion for our staff. However, Senator Vance and his team were welcomed into our restaurant shortly after and engaged with our guests inside and on the property.”
However, DeMarco sharply criticized this account, labeling it inaccurate. He claimed that Vance was never allowed inside, except to pay for other patrons’ meals. DeMarco took to social media to correct the record, writing:
“While Senator Vance was extremely gracious today about being denied entry to Primanti’s, 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 told the truth by their Manager who threatened to call the police if he entered.”
DeMarco further noted that Vance had pre-ordered a sandwich, which was waiting for him just before his arrival, casting more doubt on the restaurant’s version of events. The conflicting accounts have only fueled tensions between the campaign and the Pittsburgh staple which has also led to calls to boycott the restaurant.
https://twitter.com/sdemarcoii/status/1840204218302439720
Primanti Brothers is owned by Authentic Restaurant Brands.
Last month Primanti Brothers kicked out all their patrons and brought in paid actors when Kamala Harris was visiting their restaurant.
Today, Primanti Brothers stopped JD Vance from entering their establishment after… pic.twitter.com/Gn5gl3WAGh
— The Liberal Lampoon (@Liberal_Lampoon) September 28, 2024
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