DINH DOONG

In a surprising turn of events, Pittsburgh’s iconic restaurant chain Primanti Bros. has announced the closure of 10 locations following a heated boycott sparked by their decision to bar Republican vice-presidential nominee J.D. Vance from entering one of their restaurants. Once celebrated for its delicious sandwiches, the establishment is now embroiled in a significant PR crisis fueled by political tensions.

The controversy began on September 28, when Vance attempted to visit a Primanti Bros. location in North Versailles, Pennsylvania, as part of his campaign activities. Eyewitnesses reported that a manager informed Vance he was not allowed inside, stating, “This is not a campaign stop, and JD’s not allowed in.” This incident occurred despite the area being secured by Secret Service and assurances from Vance’s team that it would be a brief visit.

The situation escalated when it came to light that the same Primanti location had previously hosted a private event for Vice President Kamala Harris, which included clearing out paying customers to accommodate her and her entourage. This stark contrast in treatment ignited outrage among conservative supporters, who accused the restaurant of political favoritism.

As news of Vance’s treatment spread, a social media campaign began, with the hashtag #BoycottPrimanti gaining traction among Trump supporters and Republican loyalists. Many voiced their discontent over perceived political bias, with statements such as, “If they’re going to turn their back on conservatives, we’re turning our back on them.” The boycott quickly escalated, leading to significant declines in customer traffic, especially in conservative areas.

On October 10, facing the fallout from the boycott and declining sales, Primanti Bros. announced the closure of 10 of its locations, citing “economic challenges” stemming from the recent events. The closures mark a substantial blow to the brand, particularly as these sites were once bustling hubs for customers.

In a statement, Primanti Bros. expressed regret over the closures and emphasized its commitment to being a welcoming space for all patrons, regardless of political beliefs. However, many customers remain skeptical, feeling that the damage had already been done. Protesters outside the North Versailles location carried signs condemning the restaurant’s actions and demanding accountability.

As the company grapples with the fallout, the broader implications of the incident raise questions about whether businesses should maintain neutrality in political matters. Primanti Bros., once a community staple, now finds itself navigating a politically charged landscape that complicates its relationship with customers.

The future remains uncertain for Primanti Bros. as they attempt to mend fences with patrons across the political spectrum. With the culture wars intensifying, this incident serves as a reminder that even the most beloved local establishments are not immune to the divisive nature of today’s political climate. Whether the restaurant can recover from this PR nightmare and regain its status as a beloved culinary institution remains to be seen.