The fact that Kamala Harris had been warmly welcomed to the same Primanti location just a month earlier only added fuel to the fire. The event, labeled a “private affair,” was reportedly stocked with paid actors posing as patrons. Several disgruntled customers were asked to leave early to make way for Harris and her entourage, sparking accusations of hypocrisy and double standards.
“Funny how it’s a ‘private event’ for Kamala, but when JD shows up, they treat him like he’s there to rob the place,” one X user wrote. “Is there a secret liberal sandwich menu we don’t know about?”
While Primanti tried to play both sides by claiming it was open to patrons of “all political persuasions,” the backlash was swift and unforgiving. For many, the incident confirmed long-standing suspicions that companies like Primanti are quick to cater to one side of the political spectrum while dismissing the other.
The closure of 10 locations marks a significant blow for the restaurant chain, which has been a Pittsburgh institution for more than 90 years. Primanti Bros. prides itself on being a “proud American business,” and its legendary sandwiches are practically synonymous with Pittsburgh itself. But as the boycott shows no signs of slowing down, Primanti Bros. is left facing an existential question: Can they rebuild their reputation and win back the customers they’ve lost?
