Primanti Bros. customers left disappointed after JD Vance was initially denied entry (2024)

NORTH VERSAILLES, Pa. — Cell phone videos of Republican Vice Presidential Nominee JD Vance are circulating on social media after the Ohio Senator was reportedly turned away from Primanti Bros. in North Versailles Saturday morning.

Allegheny County Republican Party Chair Sam DeMarco said Sen. Vance made a stop at the restaurant on E. Pittsburgh McKeesport Boulevard to pick up lunch. It was spontaneous, but he said a manager wouldn’t let Vance go inside initially and even threatened to call police.

“Senator Vance was absolutely turned away today,” DeMarco said.

Primanti Bros. CEO Adam Golomb sent a statement trying to clarify, basically saying the staff was caught off guard.

The 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. Senator Vance’s supportive comments that our manager got a little nervous given the secret service, police and crowd accurately reflect the nature of what occurred, but we are glad that it was resolved quickly.”

DeMarco was at the popular restaurant when it happened. He responded to Primanti’s statement during an interview with Channel 11.

“I think it’s inaccurate,” he said.

DeMarco said although it wasn’t a planned stop, the campaign called a couple of hours ahead of time to order lunch for Vance so he could eat with a few of his supporters before his town hall in Monroeville.

But before Vance even stepped out of his car, DeMarco said Primanti’s manager told them they had to leave and threatened to call police on them if they didn’t leave.

“I believe the manager overreacted, either a misinterpretation or confusion, but she wouldn’t allow the Senator to come into the restaurant,” said DeMarco.

That’s when DeMarco said the Ohio senator greeted and shook hands with people outside in the restaurant’s parking lot.

One video shows customers who were at the restaurant to see Vance seemingly canceling orders, under the impression that he would not be allowed to come in.

After Vance took pictures and spoke with supporters in the parking lot, DeMarco said he went inside Primanti’s.

“After that he then went in, paid the bill for everybody there, left a generous tip, and then he came out and he was very gracious,” he said.

A video taken by a visitor and later posted to X shows Vance had no hard feelings about the situation.

“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 tip,’” Vance said. “It’s alright. Don’t hold it against her. She just got a little nervous but it’s a great local business, let’s keep on supporting it.”

Vance left a short time later and continued on his way to talk to voters at the Monroeville Convention Center.

“We do have the power of people, and the way to make that power visible is to not just vote, but to get your friends and family to vote too,” Vance said at the town hall.

Vice President Kamala Harris and Democratic Vice President Nominee Tim Walz also visited a Primanti Brothers location while touring.

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