Vance is not allowed to promote Pittsburgh’s culinary landmark – despite Harris’ event at the same restaurant chain

Vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance missed a culinary milestone in Pittsburgh after he was apparently barred from meeting with supporters indoors — even though the same restaurant chain allowed the Kamala Harris-Tim Walz campaign to meet its supporters there.

A source familiar with the campaign told Fox News Digital that the vice presidential campaign’s planned visit to Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar in North Versailles, Pennsylvania, on Saturday was canceled as staff immediately kicked them out. The source noted that Primanti Bros. management knew the Trump-Vance campaign was planning a visit.

A staffer told the campaign that this was “not a campaign stop” and that “JD is not allowed in,” the source said, adding that the manager threatened to call the police if they didn’t leave.

Trump-Vance supporters fired back and booed staff as they were led toward the exit, the source said.

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Supporters cheer outside 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 hands with JD Vance outside Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar in North Versailles, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. (Trump-Vance campaign)

The Trump campaign’s frosty reception at the restaurant chain contrasts with how the Harris-Walz campaign was treated just a month earlier when it visited a Primanti Bros. location in Moon Township, Pennsylvania.

Harris’ campaign stopped 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 p.m. the bartender says, ‘It’s last call’ – what do you mean last call?”

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris’ vice president greets guests at Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar during a campaign tour bus stop in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, on August 18. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Employees told the Pennsylvania native that the restaurant would be closing early for a private event.

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The private event marked the arrival of the Harris campaign’s entourage, with videos from inside the event showing Harris and second gentleman Douglas Emhoff greeting guests.

Supporters of former Republican presidential candidate Trump hold signs and flags as Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris tours the campaign bus at Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, on August 18. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Outside, displaced guests and Trump supporters protested the event. Others verbally accused the campaign of employing “actors” – a video shot by ABC News of Harris’ visit itself showed a packed dining room with people enjoying their food.

“Holy hell, all these actors in these vans,” a man could be heard shouting from among the audience Anti-Harris protesters.

JD Vance speaks with supporters outside a Primanti Bros. restaurant and bar in Pennsylvania. (Trump-Vance campaign)

Although the Vance campaign was kicked out Saturday, the campaign met supporters outside the restaurant.

Photos from the impromptu outdoor event showed Vance greeting excited guests.

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Before leaving, Vance addressed the crowd of supporters gathered outside the bar.

“We paid for everyone’s food, we gave them a nice tip, and of course when I gave a nice tip I said no taxes on tips,” Vance said, referring to a Trump suggestion.

“It’s fine, don’t make it bad for (the worker),” he said. “She was just a little nervous, but it’s a great local company. Let’s continue to support it.”

REGARD:

An exclusive video from Fox News Digital showed Vance speaking to Primanti Bros. employees after the encounter.

“I don’t think they paid for their food, so we’re going to cover it,” Vance is heard telling an employee.

“I appreciate that, thank you,” the employee can be heard saying.

“And keep the change,” Vance said. “I’m sure there will be a lot in there. And, you know, no taxes on tips. That’s one of the things we’re trying to hammer.”

“Yes, we support that!” the employee can be heard saying.

JD Vance signs a book at a campaign stop on Saturday. Vance was not allowed to hold a meet-and-greet at the Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar location. (Trump-Vance campaign)

In a statement on social media, Primanti’s wrote that Vance’s visit was a surprise and that they were not informed about it in advance.

“Primanti’s is proud to be an integral part of the Pittsburgh community and a proud American company, having hosted sitting presidents, politicians and political candidates from all backgrounds for over 90 years. Our doors are open to all guests who wish to dine with us,” they said.

“Without prior notice, today’s campaign stop caused temporary confusion among our staff. However, Senator Vance and his team were soon welcomed into our restaurant and interacted with our guests inside and on the property. Senator Vance’s supportive comment received by our manager We were a little nervous with the Secret Service, police and crowd accurately reflecting the nature of the incident and we are glad the issue was quickly resolved.

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Fox News Digital has reached out to Primanti Bros. Main office in Pittsburgh and was forwarded to a representative’s email address. That representative did not immediately respond.

Charles Creitz of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.

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