Primanti Bros. Faces Boycott and Closures After Denying Service to Republican VP Nominee J.D. Vance
Pittsburgh-based restaurant chain Primanti Brothers has found itself in the midst of a political controversy after refusing to allow Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance to enter one of its locations in North Versailles, Pennsylvania. The incident, which occurred on September 28, has sparked a widespread boycott from Trump supporters, leading to the closure of 10 prime Primanti Bros. locations.
Vance, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, had planned to meet with supporters at the North Versailles location. However, upon arrival, a manager reportedly told him, “JD’s not allowed in,” despite Secret Service agents having already begun securing the area. The manager insisted that the restaurant was not a campaign stop and threatened to call the police if Vance entered the establishment.
The incident quickly gained attention on social media, with videos of the confrontation spreading rapidly. Trump supporters accused Primanti Bros. of political bias, pointing out that the same location had recently hosted a private event for Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband. The perceived double standard led to the creation of the hashtag #BoycottPrimanti, which quickly gained traction on X (formerly Twitter).
In response to the growing backlash, Primanti Bros. released a statement claiming that Vance’s visit had caused “momentary confusion” and that the situation was quickly resolved. However, video evidence contradicted this claim, showing Vance being turned away and meeting supporters in the parking lot instead.
As the boycott gained momentum, particularly in conservative areas, Primanti Bros. began to experience a significant drop in sales. The company eventually announced the indefinite closure of 10 prime locations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia due to “unforeseen financial difficulties.”
The closures have disproportionately affected areas with strong support for Trump and Vance, further fueling accusations of political favoritism. Many customers have expressed disappointment in Primanti Bros.’ handling of the situation and their perceived bias against conservatives.
The incident has also brought attention to the private event hosted for Vice President Kamala Harris at the same location just a month earlier. Reports suggest that paid actors posed as patrons during the event, and several customers were asked to leave early to accommodate Harris and her entourage. This has further contributed to the perception of hypocrisy and double standards.
As the boycott continues, Primanti Bros. faces an uncertain future. The chain, which has been a Pittsburgh institution for over 90 years, must now grapple with rebuilding its reputation and winning back lost customers. With the possibility of more closures on the horizon, Primanti Bros. finds itself at the center of a political firestorm that has far-reaching consequences beyond just sandwiches.
The Primanti Bros. controversy serves as a stark example of how even beloved local businesses can become entangled in the polarized political climate of today. As the fallout continues, it remains to be seen whether the restaurant chain can survive the boycott and return to its roots as a purveyor of iconic Pittsburgh sandwiches.
