Pittsburgh-area restaurant chain Primanti Bros. issued a statement to the press and social media denying that Trump’s running mate in Ohio Senator JD Vance was barred from entering the North Versailles, Pennsylvania restaurant on Sunday to greet Trump supporters. Several attendees said on video that the manager forced them out and threatened to call the police if Vance entered the restaurant.
Primanti Bros. made headlines last month when the Moon Township restaurant reportedly kicked out patrons for a Kamala Harris and Tim Walz photo-op.
Primanti Bros. statement via WPXI-TV:
“Primanti is proud to be a staple of the Pittsburgh community and a proud American business that has hosted presidents, politicians, and political candidates from across the spectrum for more than 90 years. Our doors are open to all customers who want to dine with us. Without prior notice, today’s campaign stops causing some momentary confusion for our staff. However, Senator Vance and his team welcomed us to our restaurant shortly and engaged our guests inside and on the property.
Primanti Bros. also posted a longer statement to X Twitter–and later blocked comments. The new statement acknowledged Vance’s grace in handling the situation.
— Primanti Bros (@primantibros) September 28, 2024
Vance campaigned in the Pittsburgh area on Friday. The campaign told local Republican parties to meet Vance at Primanti Bros. in North Versailles, located east of Pittsburgh near McKeesport. About fifty supporters, many wearing Trump gear, were in the restaurant ordering food and drinks when Vance arrived outside in a Secret Service motorcade.
According to a video interview posted by Washington County Republican Chairman Sean Logue, the manager kicked the Trump supporter and threatened to call the Vance police if they entered the restaurant. The video also shows Vance being delayed leaving the Secret Service SUV and then standing outside offering support. Vance finally comes in and talks to the manager and pays everyone’s bill.
#Sedulur Primanti Vance video 1 pic.twitter.com/VuKH37VMpM
— Sean Logue (@SeanLogue18) September 28, 2024
Now I will post all Primanti Brothers videos starting today. They actually banned JD Vance from the restaurant. #PrimantiBros pic.twitter.com/SfPFzIcUdA
— Sean Logue (@SeanLogue18) September 28, 2024
#PrimantiBros video 2 pic.twitter.com/eSd2JrDRWX
— Sean Logue (@SeanLogue18) September 28, 2024
#PrimantiBros video 3 pic.twitter.com/rrnmlcDkmH
— Sean Logue (@SeanLogue18) September 28, 2024
This video clip shows Vance gracefully talking about a quick meeting with a manager.
#PrimantiBros Vance video 4 pic.twitter.com/BjDGuxHuZy
— Sean Logue (@SeanLogue18) September 28, 2024
A short clip from the Trump campaign, which has so far not commented on the incident:
.@JDVance pick up the tab for everyone!
There is no tax on TIPS! pic.twitter.com/giJAO46FrB
— Taylor Van Kirk (@taylorvankirk) September 28, 2024
They all lined up to meet @JDVance! pic.twitter.com/wGSlurxYpO
— Taylor Van Kirk (@taylorvankirk) September 28, 2024
Pittsburgh-based journalist Salena Zito noted, “Going to @primantibros in Pittsburgh is the same cultural touch as getting a cheesesteak in Philadelphia. The problem for Primanti is that instead of welcoming both, they welcome Kamala Harris here and not Vance.”
Going to @primantibros in Pittsburgh is a cultural touchstone similar to getting a cheesesteak in Philadelphia. The problem for Primanti is instead of welcoming both sides he welcomes Kamala Harris here & not Vance
Grace cannot be underestimated @JDVance handle this with https://t.co/yqISx6VWN4 pic.twitter.com/sBwKwtenuv– ZitoSalena (@ZitoSalena) September 28, 2024
