DINH DOONG

In a surprising turn of events, the cherished Pittsburgh chain Primanti Bros. has revealed the closure of 10 of its popular locations following a contentious boycott triggered by their decision to deny entry to Republican vice-presidential nominee J.D. Vance at one of their restaurants. Once a regional culinary favorite celebrated for its signature sandwiches, the establishment now finds itself grappling with a public relations crisis, embroiled in a contentious political conflict.

The closures are a direct result of a rapidly escalating boycott fueled by social media, which has gained traction among supporters of Trump and Republican advocates, who view the situation as a clear example of political discrimination. Within a matter of weeks, the hashtag #BoycottPrimanti has evolved into a full-fledged movement, leaving the restaurant chain struggling as its previously bustling business falters.

The controversy ignited on September 28 when J.D. Vance attempted to visit a Primanti Bros. location in North Versailles, Pennsylvania, to connect with his supporters as part of his campaign. His plan included a simple meet-and-greet, photo opportunities, and perhaps enjoying a couple of Primanti sandwiches. However, he was unexpectedly met by a manager who informed him that he could not enter.

Eyewitnesses reported the manager’s insistence: “This is not a campaign stop, and JD’s not allowed in.” Despite preparations made by the Secret Service and Vance’s team for a swift visit, the restaurant maintained their firm stance against allowing the Republican senator inside.

In a peculiar twist, it came to light that the same Primanti Bros. location had previously hosted a “private event” for Vice President Kamala Harris weeks prior, during which patrons were reportedly asked to leave early to accommodate her and her entourage as they mingled with guests.

When the conservative community learned of Vance’s denied entry compared to Harris’s warm welcome, outrage ensued.

A surge of social media posts, boycotts, and satirical commentary followed. Trump supporters rallied behind Vance, accusing Primanti Bros. of exhibiting political favoritism and launching calls for a boycott of the renowned restaurant chain. The hashtag #BoycottPrimanti quickly began trending on X (formerly Twitter), escalating the situation significantly.

“Primanti Bros. clearly prioritizes politics over patrons,” tweeted a frustrated diner. “If they’re going to shun conservatives, we’ll shun them in return.”

Others highlighted the inconsistency in the restaurant’s treatment of Vance as opposed to Harris. “So, Kamala gets treated like royalty while JD gets turned away? Absurd,” commented another Twitter user, expressing a desire to find a new place for sandwiches.

The boycott spread aggressively, with conservatives pledging to boycott not just Primanti Bros., but also all restaurants operated by Authentic Restaurant Brands, the parent company of the sandwich shop. With 43 locations nationwide, including 34 in Pennsylvania, Primanti Bros. confronted an existential crisis as its customer base began to dwindle.

As the boycott grew, the financial repercussions for Primanti Bros. became all too clear. Sales dipped significantly, particularly in conservative areas that once bustled with customers eager for their famous sandwiches.

Ultimately, the backlash compelled Primanti Bros. to make a tough call. On October 10, the restaurant announced the closure of 10 of its prime locations, citing “economic challenges” and “unforeseen complications stemming from recent events.” This marks a considerable setback for the chain, especially given the valuable locations where these closures occurred.

In a bid to mitigate the impact, they issued a statement: “We are deeply saddened to announce the temporary closure of 10 of our beloved locations. The repercussions of recent events have been substantial, and we must prioritize the health and sustainability of our business while hoping to reopen these stores in the future.”

Yet, skepticism remains, as many believe this may just be the beginning, and more closures could be imminent if the boycott continues.

At the core of this saga is the longstanding debate about whether businesses should maintain neutrality regarding political matters. Primanti Bros. has long prided itself on being a community hub—a gathering place for diverse folks to enjoy a classic sandwich and cold drink. Now, the chain finds itself embroiled in a political struggle it never sought.

Some assert that the decision to deny Vance entry stemmed from a regrettable managerial error, exaggerated by an already polarized atmosphere. However, many view this incident as a serious example of political bias.

“It’s not about sandwiches,” one local Trump supporter remarked. “It’s about respect. If they can treat someone like J.D. Vance this way, who’s next? Me? My neighbor? Enough is enough.”

The contrast with Harris’ royal treatment did little to aid Primanti Bros.’ efforts. Claims that patrons were cleared out for her private event only ignited further resentment from conservative quarters.

“It’s one thing to refuse service to a political figure if that’s your policy,” noted a disgruntled patron. “But to eject regular guests for a political event and then refuse entry to J.D. Vance? That’s pure hypocrisy.”

Demonstrators gathered outside the North Versailles location thereafter, holding signs that declared “Primanti Bros. Pays Actors, Not Customers” alongside “No Sandwich for JD, No Sandwich for Us.” Activists demanded transparency, suggesting the Harris event was staged to create a false sense of popularity.

Without a clear resolution in sight, Primanti Bros. has sought to quell the flames of discontent. They stated publicly, “Primanti’s is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment for all customers, irrespective of their political views. Our doors have always been open, and we regret any misunderstandings that may have arisen.”

They further noted that “Senator Vance and his team were welcomed into our restaurant shortly after the initial confusion.” However, videos making rounds online contradict this assertion, and many believe the damage has already been done.

As the situation evolves, one question persists: Can Primanti Bros. rebound from this public relations debacle? With 10 pivotal locations already closed and the boycott continuing unabated, the future appears uncertain for this famed Pittsburgh establishment.

For now, Primanti Bros. must navigate the challenging task of regaining the trust of customers across the political spectrum—an uphill battle in a deeply divided society. Yet, this incident underscores a key lesson: even a beloved sandwich shop is not immune to the cultural conflicts at play.

NOTE: This is SATIRE, It’s not True.