Sen. JD Vance was initially denied entry to a Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Sports Bar in North Versailles, Pennsylvania, while on a campaign stop.

According to Breitbart News, the confusion was due to a lack of advance notice, but Vance and his team were later welcomed inside.

Confusion at Primanti Bros. Restaurant

On a routine campaign stop in North Versailles, Pennsylvania, Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) faced an unexpected hiccup. Initially, the staff at Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Sports Bar, known for its signature sandwiches, denied him entry.

The restaurant staff, cautious of hosting an impromptu “campaign event,” also barred cameras, reported NBC News correspondent Gary Grumbach on X. This incident was a minor setback in Vance's campaign trail.

Despite the initial denial, Vance adapted quickly, addressing a crowd outside the restaurant while encouraging support for the local business.

Vance Encourages Voting and Tips

In a video posted to X, Vance spoke to his supporters, thanking them for their presence and urging them to vote in the upcoming presidential election. “We paid for everybody’s food, we gave them a nice tip,” he said. Vance also humorously added, “No taxes on tips.”

During his brief address, Vance remained positive about the restaurant, emphasizing its value to the local community. He acknowledged the misunderstanding and made it clear that it was simply a momentary lapse in communication.

“Don’t hold it against her, she just got a little nervous. But, it’s a great local business, let’s keep on supporting it,” he told the crowd outside Primanti Bros.

Restaurant CEO Clarifies the Incident

Adam Golomb, CEO of Primanti Bros., elaborated on the situation, attributing it to a lack of advance notice about the campaign stop. “Without any advance notice, today’s campaign stop caused some momentary confusion for our staff,” Golomb stated.

Golomb assured that once the misunderstanding was resolved, Vance and his team were welcomed into the restaurant. “Senator Vance and his team were welcomed into our restaurant shortly after and engaged with our guests inside and on the property,” he added.

The incident highlighted the importance of communication and coordination for campaign events, particularly in busy local businesses like Primanti Bros.

Historical Context of Similar Incidents

This is not the first time a campaign-related mix-up has occurred at a Primanti Bros. location. During the last presidential campaign, customers were reportedly asked to leave a restaurant in Moon, Pennsylvania, ahead of a visit by Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate.

These incidents underline the challenges restaurants face when balancing day-to-day operations with accommodating high-profile guests.

Primanti Bros., popular for their unique sandwiches, has locations across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Maryland. They have built a reputation for being a welcoming spot for locals and visitors alike.

Positive Outcome and Community Engagement

Despite the initial confusion, the outcome of Vance’s visit turned positive. The Ohio senator's approach reflected his commitment to community engagement, even in the face of minor setbacks.

Encouraging civic participation, Vance used the opportunity to remind attendees of the importance of voting. His remarks during the event, especially concerning the tips, resonated with many, showcasing his relatability.

As Vance’s campaign moves forward, the incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of public appearances and the importance of adaptability.

In conclusion, Sen. JD Vance's campaign stop at Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Sports Bar in North Versailles, Pennsylvania, faced initial confusion due to the lack of advance notice. Despite being denied entry at first, Vance maintained a positive attitude, encouraged voting, and highlighted the restaurant's significance. Restaurant CEO Adam Golomb later clarified the situation, and Vance engaged with guests inside the establishment.