In a controversial move that has ignited a firestorm of political outrage, Primanti Brothers, the iconic Pennsylvania-based restaurant chain, has reportedly barred Ohio Senator JD Vance from entering one of its locations following the chain’s decision to stage an event for Vice President Kamala Harris just a month earlier. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from conservatives, who accuse the restaurant of blatant political bias and serving as a tool for left-wing activism.
Primanti Brothers, a beloved establishment known for its signature sandwiches piled high with French fries and coleslaw, now finds itself at the center of a political maelstrom. The chain, which operates multiple locations throughout Pennsylvania, has been accused of prioritizing political favoritism over customer service, sparking questions about the motivations behind its recent actions.
A Staged Event for Kamala Harris
The controversy first came to light a month ago when The Daily Mail reported that Primanti Brothers had cleared out its regular patrons in favor of hosting a highly orchestrated event for Vice President Kamala Harris in the Pittsburgh area. According to the report, the restaurant went so far as to bus in actors and supporters of the Harris campaign to create the illusion of a well-attended meet-and-greet. This carefully crafted photo opportunity was staged to project a narrative of widespread support for Harris, but local observers quickly began questioning the authenticity of the event.
Sources indicated that the restaurant was closed to the public for the day, with regular diners asked to vacate the premises to make way for the Harris team. While the Harris campaign declined to comment on the nature of the event, the press pool was reportedly brought in on buses, along with a group of “supporters” who had been pre-selected for the gathering. Photos from the event showed Harris shaking hands and interacting with what appeared to be enthusiastic local patrons, but behind the scenes, it was clear that the scene had been manufactured for political optics.
The use of staged actors and bussed-in supporters has drawn condemnation from both local residents and political commentators, many of whom argue that the event was a blatant attempt to manipulate public perception.
The JD Vance Incident
The situation took another turn for the worse when, just weeks after the Harris event, Primanti Brothers made headlines again—this time for allegedly blocking Ohio Senator JD Vance, a prominent Republican figure, from entering one of its Pittsburgh-area locations. The incident reportedly occurred when Vance, who was in town for a political event, attempted to dine at the restaurant only to be turned away at the door.
According to sources close to Vance’s team, the senator was informed that the restaurant had “no room” for him, despite the establishment appearing to have available seating at the time. The refusal to allow Vance entry was seen by many as a politically motivated snub, particularly given the restaurant’s recent history of accommodating the Harris campaign at the expense of its regular customers.
Conservative critics were quick to pounce on the incident, accusing Primanti Brothers of engaging in discriminatory practices based on political affiliation. “This is just another example of the left trying to silence anyone who disagrees with them,” said one Vance supporter. “They’ll roll out the red carpet for Kamala Harris and her paid actors, but when it comes to a conservative senator, suddenly they’re ‘full.’ It’s shameful.”
Primanti Brothers Under Fire
As the backlash against Primanti Brothers continues to mount, questions are being raised about the political leanings of the restaurant’s ownership. The chain, which has long been a staple in the Pittsburgh area, is apparently owned and operated by individuals with strong ties to left-wing activism. While the restaurant has yet to issue an official statement regarding the allegations, its recent actions have only served to reinforce the belief that the business is aligned with a particular political ideology.
Critics have pointed to the Harris event as clear evidence of the restaurant’s political bias. By shutting out regular diners and staging a photo-op for the Vice President, Primanti Brothers demonstrated a willingness to manipulate its own public image in favor of political gain. Now, with the apparent snub of JD Vance, those suspicions are being further validated.
For many conservatives, the incident is emblematic of a larger issue in which businesses are increasingly taking sides in the country’s political divide. “It’s one thing for a business to have a political opinion, but it’s another thing entirely to weaponize that opinion against your own customers,” said one local political analyst. “Primanti Brothers is sending a message that conservative voices are not welcome, and that’s a dangerous precedent for any business to set.”
The Response
The political fallout from the incident has been swift. JD Vance’s supporters have taken to social media to voice their outrage, calling for a boycott of Primanti Brothers and demanding answers from the restaurant’s management. On Twitter, the hashtag #BoycottPrimanti has been trending, with users accusing the chain of engaging in “anti-conservative discrimination.”
Primanti Brothers has yet to address the allegations directly, though some employees have anonymously claimed that the decision to block Vance from entering was not politically motivated. However, with the restaurant’s ownership under increasing scrutiny and the public demanding transparency, it remains to be seen how the business will navigate the growing controversy.
Political Optics or Something More?
The Primanti Brothers incident raises larger questions about the role of businesses in political activism and whether establishments should use their platform to push a particular agenda. While political endorsements and donations from businesses are nothing new, the blatant staging of events and exclusion of customers based on political beliefs marks a disturbing new trend.
As Primanti Brothers faces mounting pressure, the chain’s leadership will need to determine whether it wants to continue down a path of political engagement or return to its roots as a beloved local institution. For now, it appears that Primanti Brothers has made its stance clear—and for JD Vance and his supporters, that stance is decidedly unwelcome.
With the 2024 election looming, this incident could serve as a cautionary tale for other businesses attempting to navigate the turbulent waters of modern American politics. Whether Primanti Brothers can weather this storm without further alienating half of its customer base remains to be seen.
