Primanti Bros Under Fire: Why Did They Welcome Kamala Harris but Not J.D. Vance?

The Pittsburgh-area restaurant chain, Primanti Bros, released statements to both the press and social media denying reports that Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, Donald Trump’s running mate, was barred from entering their North Versailles, Pennsylvania location on Sunday to greet Trump supporters. Videos from attendees at the event show several individuals claiming that a manager had ordered them to leave and threatened to call the police if Vance entered the restaurant.

Primanti Bros gained attention last month when a similar incident occurred at their Moon Township location, where patrons were reportedly asked to leave to accommodate a staged photo-op for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.

In a statement shared with WPXI-TV, Primanti Bros emphasized their commitment to inclusivity:

“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.”

The restaurant also posted a longer statement on X (formerly Twitter) but blocked comments. In the post, Primanti Bros acknowledged Vance’s professionalism in handling the situation.

Vance was campaigning in the Pittsburgh area on Sunday, with local Republican parties encouraging supporters to meet him at the North Versailles Primanti Bros, located east of Pittsburgh near McKeesport. Around 50 supporters, many wearing Trump gear, were already inside the restaurant when Vance’s Secret Service motorcade arrived. Footage shows that Vance was initially delayed in exiting his vehicle, and video interviews posted by Washington County Republicans Chairman Sean Logue indicate that the manager had asked Trump supporters to leave, threatening to involve the police if Vance entered.

Despite the confusion, Vance eventually entered the restaurant, spoke to the manager, and paid for everyone’s orders. Pittsburgh-based reporter Salena Zito noted, “Going to @primantibros in Pittsburgh is the cultural touchstone equivalent of getting a cheesesteak in Philadelphia. Problem for Primanti is that instead of welcoming both sides, they welcomed Kamala Harris but not Vance. The grace @JDVance handled this with cannot be understated.”