Vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance missed a Pittsburgh culinary landmark after he was apparently kicked out of meeting with supporters inside, even though the same restaurant chain allowed the Kamala Harris-Tim Walz campaign to meet his supporters there.
A source familiar with the campaign told Fox News Digital that when the vice presidential campaign stopped at the Primanti Bros. restaurant and bar in North Versailles, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, their planned visit to their enthusiastic supporters was cut short when employees told them. They kicked out quickly. . The source noted that Primanti Bros. management was aware that the Trump-Vance campaign was planning to stop by.
An employee told the campaign that this was “not a campaign stop” and that “JD can’t get in,” the source said, adding that the manager threatened to call the police if they didn’t leave.
Trump-Vance supporters responded, heckling employees as they were led out, the source said.
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Supporters applaud outside the Primanti Bros. restaurant and bar in North Versailles, Pennsylvania, following the arrival of vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance. (Trump-Vance Campaign)
A supporter shakes JD Vance’s hand outside the Primanti Bros. restaurant and bar in North Versailles, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. (Trump-Vance Campaign)
The Trump campaign’s cold reception at the restaurant chain contrasts how the Harris-Walz campaign was treated just a month earlier, when they visited a Primanti Bros. location in Moon Township, Pennsylvania.
The Harris campaign made a stop at the Primanti Bros. location on August 18, much to the chagrin of locals, who were kicked out of the restaurant.
“I wanted to watch some sports and enjoy an afternoon lunch,” Mark Dodson previously told Fox News Digital. “Around 3:30, the waitress says, ‘It’s last call.’ What do you mean last call?”
Democratic vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris greets diners at Primanti Bros. restaurant and bar during a bus stop on her campaign tour in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, on August 18. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Employees informed the Pennsylvania native that the restaurant would close early for a private event.
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The private event saw the arrival of Harris’ campaign entourage, with videos from inside the event showing Harris and second gentleman Douglas Emhoff greeting customers.
Supporters of former president, Republican presidential candidate Trump, hold signs and flags as Democratic vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris makes a stop on her campaign tour bus at Primanti Bros. restaurant and bar in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, August 18. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Outside, expelled patrons and Trump supporters protested the event. Others verbally accused the campaign of employing “actors,” as video captured by ABC News of Harris’ visit showed a dining room filled with people enjoying their food.
“Holy shit, all these actors in these vans,” a man in the crowd was heard shouting. anti-Harris protesters.
JD Vance talks to fans outside a Primanti Bros. restaurant and bar in Pennsylvania. (Trump-Vance Campaign)
Even though Vance’s campaign was kicked out of the local establishment on Saturday, the campaign met with supporters outside the restaurant.
Photos from the impromptu outdoor event showed Vance greeting excited customers.
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Before leaving, Vance addressed the crowd of supporters who had gathered in front of the establishment.
“We paid for everyone’s food, we tipped them well, and of course when I tipped well, I said there was no tax on tips,” Vance said, referring to a Trump proposal.
“Okay, don’t blame yourself. [the worker]” he said. “She got a little nervous, but it’s a great local business. Let’s continue supporting him.”
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Exclusive video obtained by Fox News Digital showed Vance speaking with Primanti Bros employees after the confrontation.
“I don’t think they paid for your meal, so we’ll cover it,” Vance is heard telling an employee.
“I appreciate it, thank you,” the employee is heard saying.
“And keep the change,” Vance said. “I’m sure there will be a good amount there. And, you know, there will be no tax on tips. That’s one of the things we’re trying to improve.”
“Yes, we support it!” the employee is heard saying.
JD Vance signs a book at a campaign event Saturday. Vance was not allowed to hold a meet-and-greet meeting at the Primanti Bros. restaurant and bar. (Trump-Vance Campaign)
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Fox News Digital contacted Primanti Bros.’ main office in Pittsburgh and was directed to a representative’s email address. That representative did not immediately respond.
Fox News Digital’s Charles Creitz contributed to this report.
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