DINH DOONG

In a surprising turn of events, Hollywood icon Jon Voight and Republican vice-presidential nominee J.D. Vance have both severed ties with the renowned Pittsburgh eatery Primanti Bros., claiming the restaurant has succumbed to “woke” culture. This unexpected controversy began when Primanti Bros. allegedly offered Voight a staggering $100 million sponsorship deal along with a lifetime supply of their famous sandwiches. Initially intrigued, Voight quickly backed out after learning about the restaurant’s recent inclusivity initiatives and partnerships with progressive causes.

In a passionate video statement, Voight declared, “What good are the sandwiches if they’re served with a side of wokeness? Primanti Bros. has lost its way.” He expressed disappointment over the restaurant’s marketing campaign, which highlighted its commitment to diversity, calling it a sign that even beloved institutions have fallen victim to the “woke agenda.” Voight, a staunch conservative, positioned himself as a man of principles, stating, “If standing up for what’s right means turning down $100 million, so be it.”

The situation escalated further when Vance faced rejection at a Primanti Bros. location during a campaign stop. He was reportedly denied entry, which he claimed was political discrimination, especially after discovering that the restaurant had previously hosted Vice President Kamala Harris. Vance expressed frustration on social media, arguing that conservatives are increasingly unwelcome in public spaces, stating, “If you don’t support their narrative, they shut you out—literally.”

Caught in the middle of this escalating culture clash, Primanti Bros. issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to inclusivity and expressing regret over Voight’s decision. The restaurant attempted to clarify that Vance’s rejection was due to a logistical mix-up, not political bias. However, the damage had already been done. Conservative media outlets seized on the story, framing it as yet another example of a company prioritizing “woke culture” over its customer base.

Social media reactions were swift and polarized. Supporters of Voight and Vance praised their stance, while others criticized the uproar over sandwiches. One user quipped, “Jon Voight turned down $100 million because of… sandwiches? This is getting ridiculous.” Meanwhile, some vowed to boycott Primanti Bros., framing the restaurant as yet another casualty of the supposed “woke agenda.”

Longtime customers of Primanti Bros. found themselves baffled by the uproar. “I’ve been eating at Primanti’s for 30 years,” said a Pittsburgh native. “I don’t care what their politics are as long as they keep making great sandwiches. This whole thing is crazy.”

As the sandwich wars heat up, Primanti Bros. continues to serve its signature fries-on-sandwich creations amid growing calls for boycotts from conservative circles. Voight remains steadfast in his decision, affirming, “I’m not about to sell out for a sandwich.” Vance echoed this sentiment, insisting his boycott would continue until the restaurant issues a public apology.

This episode highlights the increasingly political nature of even the most mundane aspects of life, including dining choices. For Primanti Bros., the challenge lies in navigating the complexities of a politically charged environment while maintaining its identity as a beloved community staple.

In a landscape where every decision seems to have a political implication, Voight and Vance may have traded a favorite sandwich joint for principles, gaining respect from their base in the process. As the culture wars spill over into the culinary world, it raises the question: can a restaurant remain apolitical in an era defined by division, or are they destined to become the battlegrounds of ideology? Only time will tell if Primanti Bros. can weather this storm or if the fallout will leave a lasting mark on its legacy.