Allegheny County GOP Chairman Sam DeMarco has strongly condemned Primanti Bros’ statement concerning the incident in which Ohio Senator and Trump running mate JD Vance was denied entry to their North Versailles restaurant on Sunday. Vance had arrived at the bar and grill to meet with a group of Trump supporters but faced resistance from the restaurant staff.
An employee informed Vance’s campaign that it was “not a campaign stop” and that “JD’s not allowed in.” Witnesses reported that the restaurant manager even threatened to call the police if Vance and his team did not leave. The situation quickly became contentious as supporters voiced their frustration, booing employees as they were escorted out of the establishment. Outside, Vance’s supporters rallied, protesting the treatment of the senator.
WATCH:
Primanti Bros restaurant in Pittsburgh, PA wouldn’t let JD Vance in to greet his supporters.
The supporters paid for their drinks, cancelled their orders, and left.pic.twitter.com/xM3kD7rGtv
— Paul A. Szypula ?? (@Bubblebathgirl) September 28, 2024
NEW: JD Vance barred from entering Primanti Bros in North Versailles, PA as supporters waited for him inside, decided to pay for everyone’s tabs anyway & signed with “No Taxes on Tips”
When Vance arrived, he was reportedly told he wasn’t allowed to leave his car because the… pic.twitter.com/GCuAqDYCs1
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 28, 2024
Primanti Bros issued a statement on social media, claiming the entire situation was a misunderstanding:
Primanti’s prides itself on being a staple of the Pittsburgh community and a proud American business that has hosted sitting presidents, politicians, and political candidates from across the spectrum for over 90 years. Our doors are open to all patrons who wish to dine with us. Without any advance notice, today’s campaign stop caused some momentary confusion for our staff.
However, Senator Vance and his team were welcomed into our restaurant shortly after and engaged with our guests inside and on the property. Senator Vance’s supportive comments that our manager got a little nervous given the Secret Service, police, and crowd accurately reflect the nature of what occurred, and we are glad that it was resolved quickly.
DeMarco, however, dismissed the explanation, labeling the statement as inaccurate and asserting that Vance was never permitted inside the restaurant except to pay for other patrons’ meals. “While Senator Vance was extremely gracious today about being denied entry to Primanti’s today, this statement is NOT accurate. Senator Vance was denied entry and he and his team were NOT welcomed into the restaurant after the initial ‘confusion.'”
He added: “Perhaps Primanti’s isn’t being told the truth by their Manager who threatened to call the police if he entered. Senator Vance spoke with and took photos with patrons outside in the parking lot but there were no interactions inside other than him going in to pay for everyone’s food. I wouldn’t otherwise comment further on this but the false statement requires correcting it. I was told staff had contacted the restaurant prior and as a matter of fact, a sandwich was ordered for the Senator which was sitting at a seat for him just prior to the motorcade’s arrival.”
Vance, however, handled the situation with class:
JD Vance is all class and kindness even after being refused entry to Primanti Bros in PA where his supporters had been waiting to see him.
The true judge of a man is how he handles adverse situations.pic.twitter.com/5TWNvi9xlT
— Paul A. Szypula ?? (@Bubblebathgirl) September 28, 2024