Pennsylvania’s famous Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar became the site of a political controversy on Saturday when Sen. JD Vance, who is currently running for vice president on the Trump-Vance campaign ticket, was barred entry from meeting his supporters there – a move which stands in sharp contrast to the entity’s handling of a Democratic campaign event just a month prior.

According to information provided to Fox News by a campaign insider, Vance’s visit to the North Versailles eatery did not go as planned, as he and his team were abruptly ejected by establishment employees.

The management had been previously informed of the campaign’s intent to visit, yet upon their arrival, they were confronted with resistance by the staff.

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An employee made it clear, stating that “JD’s not allowed in,” further threatening to call law enforcement if the group failed to vacate the premises.

This clash led to an audible expression of disapproval from Trump-Vance supporters, who booed the staff as they were directed out of the restaurant.

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Looking back to a similar visit by the Harris-Walz campaign, the treatment discrepancy becomes evident.

On August 18, the Democratic campaign visited another Primanti Bros. branch in Moon Township, where local regulars found themselves ousted to accommodate the event.

Mark Dodson, who planned to enjoy an afternoon meal and watch sports, told Fox News of his surprise when last call was announced at 3:30 p.m. in anticipation of the campaign’s arrival.

During the Harris campaign stop, videos depicted a warm reception within with socializing patrons, while outside, displaced diners and Trump supporters voiced their protest.

Some of the demonstrators accused the Democratic campaign of hiring “actors,” a claim underscored by footage from ABC News showcasing a bustling restaurant.

Despite the episode inside the Primanti Bros. in North Versailles, Vance did not let it dampen the spirits of his campaign, quickly relocating the meet-and-greet to the exterior of the restaurant.

Photographs documented the senator cheerfully engaging with the crowd.

The senator further endeared himself to the crowd, explaining that in appreciation of the patrons, their meals had been covered, and the staff was gratified with a considerate tip, in line with Trump’s policy proposal. “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 tips’,” Vance mentioned to his supporters, promoting the campaign’s fiscal objectives.

Fox News obtained exclusive footage of Vance conversing with the Primanti Bros. employees following the encounter. “I don’t think they paid for their food, so we’ll cover it,” Vance assured an employee, to which the worker responded with gratitude and Vance added, “And keep the change… no taxes on tips.”


In the aftermath of the incident, Primanti Bros. issued a statement clarifying that Vance’s visit was unanticipated and the venue had not received prior notice, which resulted in a brief state of disarray among the staff.

They emphasized their history as a Pittsburgh fixture, welcoming customers including politicians, regardless of their political leanings.

“Our doors are open to all patrons who wish to dine with us,” the restaurant asserted, further commenting on the day’s events as a temporary misunderstanding, subsequently resolved, as the senator and his entourage were eventually welcomed into the restaurant to interact with guests.

The statement concluded by expressing contentment that the situation was settled expeditiously, crediting Vance for recognizing the brief uncertainty exhibited by the manager, amidst the presence of the Secret Service and onlookers.