(Scypre.com) – Senator JD Vance, vice presidential candidate, was unexpectedly kicked out of a Primanti Bros. restaurant in North Versailles, Pennsylvania, while attempting to meet supporters. The same restaurant chain had hosted the Kamala Harris-Tim Walz campaign just a month earlier.
A source close to the Vance campaign told Fox News Digital that employees told them this was “not a campaign stop” and that “JD’s not allowed in,” despite management being aware of the planned visit. The staff even threatened to call the police if they didn’t leave. Supporters of the Trump-Vance campaign booed as they were escorted out of the establishment.
BREAKING: Primanti Bros restaurant in Pittsburgh, PA Refused to let JD Vance in to Greet his Supporters!
— MJTruthUltra (@MJTruthUltra) September 28, 2024
BOYCOTT THEM! SHARE EVERYWHERE!
All the supporters paid for their drinks but cancelled their food in mass.
GO WOKE GO BROKE! @primantibros 🖕
Video 1… pic.twitter.com/yA0IKiogCu
In contrast, the Harris-Walz campaign was welcomed at a different Primanti Bros. location in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, on August 18th. During their visit, local patrons were asked to leave as the restaurant closed early for a private event featuring Harris and her entourage. Videos from the event showed Harris and her husband, Douglas Emhoff, greeting guests, while those who had been kicked out protested outside, with some claiming the campaign had employed actors to fill the dining room.
Despite the setback, the Vance campaign made the most of the situation by greeting supporters outside the restaurant. Photos showed Vance engaging with fans, and before departing, he addressed the crowd, stating that they had covered the bill for everyone’s food. “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 remarked, referencing a Trump proposal. He added that the restaurant staff had just “got a little nervous” but urged supporters to continue supporting the business.
Fox News Digital obtained video footage showing Vance speaking with Primanti Bros. employees after the incident, reassuring them that his team would cover the cost of the food. One employee expressed appreciation for Vance’s gesture, and the senator reiterated his stance on no taxes on tips, a key point of his campaign.
Primanti Bros. issued a statement on social media, explaining that the confusion arose because they were not informed in advance of Vance’s visit. They emphasized that they are a proud Pittsburgh establishment open to all, having hosted politicians and dignitaries from across the political spectrum for over 90 years. According to the restaurant, the issue was resolved swiftly, and Vance was able to interact with guests both inside and outside the establishment.
Despite this hiccup, Vance’s supporters showed strong enthusiasm, making the best of the situation. Fox News Digital reached out to Primanti Bros.’ main office but did not receive an immediate response.