Vance wasn't allowed to campaign at Pittsburgh's gourmet landmark despite Harris' event at the same restaurant chain

Vice presidential candidate Sen. J.D. Vance was kicked out of a meeting with supporters of the Kamala Harris-Tim Walz campaign, even though the restaurant chain had allowed him to meet with supporters. Apparently, he did not visit Pittsburgh's gourmet landmark.

A person familiar with the campaign told Fox News Digital that when the vice president's campaign stopped by Primanti Brothers restaurant and bar in North Versailles, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, employees were unable to plan a visit to excited supporters. He said he was immediately kicked out and the event was cancelled. . The person noted that Primanti Brothers management was aware that the Trump-Vance campaign was scheduled to make a stop.

The employee told the campaign that this was “not a cancellation of the campaign” and that “JD is not allowed in,” adding that the employee threatened to call the police if the manager did not leave.

Supporters of Mr. Trump and Mr. Vance fought back, booing employees as they were ushered out, officials said.

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A supporter shakes J.D. Vance's hand Saturday outside Primanti Brothers Restaurant and Bar in North Versailles, Pennsylvania. (Trump Vance Campaign)

The Trump campaign's tepid response to the restaurant chain contrasts with the response the Harris-Waltz campaign received when it visited a Primanti Brothers store in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, just a month ago.

The Harris campaign visited the Primanti Brothers store on August 18, much to the chagrin of local residents who were kicked out of the restaurant.

“I wanted to watch sports and enjoy lunch in the afternoon,” Mark Dodson previously told Fox News Digital. “Around 3:30, the bartender said, 'Last call.' What does last call mean?”

Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris greets customers at Primanti Brothers Restaurant and Bar during a bus campaign stop in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, on August 18. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

An employee informed the Pennsylvania native that the restaurant was closing early for a private event.

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Harris campaign aides arrived at the private event, and a video was released showing Harris and second gentleman Douglas Emhoff greeting patrons from inside the venue.

Supporters of former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, walk into the Primanti Brothers Restaurant and Bar in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, on Aug. 18, as Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris makes a stop on her campaign tour. Hold up placards and flags. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Outside, evicted patrons and Trump supporters protested the event. Video of Harris' visit itself, captured by ABC News, showed a packed house with people enjoying the meal, with some verbally accusing the campaign of hiring “actors.”

“Oh my god, there's all these actors in this van,” a man could be heard shouting among the anti-Harris protesters.

JD Vance speaks with supporters outside Primanti Brothers Restaurant and Bar in Pennsylvania. (Trump Vance Campaign)

Despite Vance's campaign being kicked out of a local facility on Saturday, the campaign met with supporters outside the restaurant.

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

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Before leaving, Mr. Vance addressed a crowd of supporters gathered outside the facility.

“We paid for everyone's meals and we gave them a nice tip. Of course, when I gave a nice tip, I said no tax on the tip,” Vance said of Trump's proposal. spoke.

“Okay, don't go against (the workers),” he said. “She was a little nervous, but it’s a great local business and we’ll continue to support it.”

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Exclusive video obtained by Fox News Digital showed Vance speaking with Primanti Brothers employees after the crash.

“I don't think they're paying for their meals, so we're going to pay for them,” Vance was heard telling employees.

“Thank you very much,” an employee could be heard saying.

“And keep it varied,” Vance said. “I'm sure there's a significant amount of money out there. And, you know, there's no tax on tips. That's one of the things we strive for.”

“Yes, we're rooting for you!” the employee can be heard saying.

J.D. Vance signs books at a campaign stop on Saturday. Vance was not allowed to conduct the meet-and-greet at the Primanti Brothers Restaurant and Bar location. (Trump Vance Campaign)

In a statement on social media, Primanti's wrote that Mr. Vance's visit came as a surprise and that there was no advance notice.

“Primanti's is a staple of the Pittsburgh community and is proud to be a proud American business, serving sitting presidents, politicians, and political candidates from all walks of life for more than 90 years. Our doors are open to all patrons who wish to dine with us,” they said.

“Without prior notice, today's campaign cancellation caused a temporary disruption for our staff. However, shortly afterward, Sen. Vance and his team were welcomed into the restaurant and were able to interact with guests on and off the premises. “Senator Vance's supportive comments received by the manager were a little tense as the Secret Service, police and crowd reflected exactly what happened, but that it was quickly resolved. I'm happy. ”

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Fox News Digital reached out to Primanti Brothers. I contacted the company's headquarters in Pittsburgh and was directed to a representative's email address. Its representative did not immediately respond.

Fox News Digital's Charles Creitz contributed to this report.

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