As the boycott gained steam, Primanti Bros. attempted some damage control. In a statement, the company claimed that Vance’s visit had caused “momentary confusion” and that the situation was quickly resolved. But video evidence showing Vance being turned away and meeting supporters in the parking lot suggested otherwise. The damage had been done, and Primanti’s statement fell flat.
In the days following the Vance incident, the boycott began to take a serious toll on Primanti Bros. businesses, particularly in areas where Trump support runs deep. Locations that had once been bustling with lunchtime patrons were eerily empty. Employees, who once balanced towers of fries and meat between slices of bread, were left twiddling their thumbs, waiting for customers who never came.
Then, the unthinkable happened: Primanti Bros. announced it would be closing 10 of its prime locations indefinitely due to “unforeseen financial difficulties.”
