In a surprising turn of events, Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance was denied entry into a Pittsburgh eatery where he was slated to speak. Instead, he had to address supporters from the parking lot of Primanti Bros in North Versailles, Pennsylvania, on Saturday evening.
Upon his arrival, a staff member informed Vance and his press team that they could not enter the restaurant. Videos circulating on social media showed a packed dining area filled with patrons awaiting Vance’s arrival, many of whom chose to cancel their orders and leave once he was turned away.
Following the incident, Vance spoke to supporters outside, saying, “It’s alright, don’t hold it against her. She just got a little nervous. But most importantly, November 5th, or before, go vote, let’s go win this thing.”
Following the refusal, some supporters took to social media to suggest boycotting Primanti Bros. One user tweeted, “BREAKING: Primanti Bros restaurant in Pittsburgh, PA refused to let JD Vance in! BOYCOTT THEM!” Another user echoed these sentiments, stating that all local patriots should refrain from supporting the establishment. These posts garnered significant attention, being viewed over 156,000 times by Sunday morning.
In response to the incident, the restaurant issued a statement on Facebook, clarifying that it has welcomed various politicians for nearly a century. They attributed the situation to a misunderstanding and explained that Vance and his team were eventually welcomed inside to engage with guests. “Our doors are open to all patrons who wish to dine with us,” they emphasized.
While some users praised the staff for their decision, indicating it showcased a strong business ethos, Vance’s campaign continues to make headlines for various reasons. From an awkward incident at a Georgia donut shop to controversial remarks about community issues in Ohio, Vance’s public interactions have stirred up mixed reactions.
Despite the controversies, Vance has remained in the spotlight as he continues campaigning, although polls indicate he has consistently received unfavorable ratings since being announced as Trump’s running mate.