Primanti Bros., a beloved sandwich chain known for its unique “slaw and fries” stuffed sandwiches, has unexpectedly closed 10 of its key locations following a surge in public boycotts. The sudden closures come in the wake of a controversial association with political figure J.D. Vance, whose comments and actions have sparked heated debate and significant backlash in the community. This has led to a dramatic decline in customer support, leaving the restaurant chain with no choice but to shut down a number of its core establishments.

The controversy began when social media users linked Primanti Bros. to Vance’s campaign, sharing that the chain had shown support for the politician. While Primanti Bros. has not publicly confirmed or denied these allegations, the damage was already done. Activists and community members called for a boycott, encouraging customers to dine elsewhere in protest of the perceived political alignment.

The boycott rapidly gained momentum, with hashtags like #BoycottPrimanti trending across various platforms. Many loyal patrons expressed their disappointment, stating that they could no longer support a business that they believed was entangled in a polarizing political landscape. For some, it was a matter of principle, while for others, it was about sending a clear message that businesses should remain neutral, particularly in times of heightened political division.

The financial impact of the boycott was almost immediate. Foot traffic at many Primanti Bros. locations dropped significantly, forcing management to make tough decisions. As a result, they opted to close 10 prominent locations that had been struggling to maintain operations in the midst of the controversy. This move was met with mixed reactions, with some lamenting the loss of local jobs and a neighborhood staple, while others saw it as a necessary response to the chain’s perceived political stance.

Employees affected by the closures shared their frustrations, with many expressing that they felt caught in the middle of a situation that had nothing to do with their commitment to serving good food and providing excellent customer service. “I’ve worked here for years, and suddenly, because of politics, I’m out of a job,” one staff member commented, highlighting the personal toll of the corporate decision.

For the communities surrounding the shuttered locations, the closures mean more than just the loss of a place to eat. Primanti Bros. has been a part of local culture for decades, serving as a gathering spot for friends and families. Many are now left wondering if the remaining locations will face a similar fate or if Primanti Bros. will be able to bounce back from this unprecedented setback.

In an effort to address the situation, the chain has released a statement expressing regret over the closures and vowing to review its community engagement strategies moving forward. While the company stopped short of addressing its ties to J.D. Vance directly, it acknowledged the need to restore trust with its customers and reaffirmed its commitment to being a place that welcomes everyone, regardless of their political beliefs.

Despite the efforts to make amends, it remains unclear whether Primanti Bros. will be able to recover its lost reputation and regain the support of its once-loyal patrons. The closures have left a void in the neighborhoods they served, and for many, the taste of controversy has overshadowed the flavor of their iconic sandwiches.

As the story continues to unfold, both Primanti Bros. and its customers are left reflecting on the power of consumer voices and the complex relationship between business and politics. The hope is that this well-loved brand will find a way to navigate these turbulent waters and emerge stronger, more unified, and with a renewed focus on what it does best—bringing people together over good food.