As news of Voight’s rejection and Vance’s Primanti Bros. debacle spread, social media was flooded with reactions from fans on both sides of the political spectrum. Some praised Voight for standing up for his beliefs, with one Twitter user writing, “Jon Voight turning down $100 million because Primanti Bros. went woke is the kind of bravery we need right now. Forget fries on sandwiches—how about a little integrity?”
Others, however, found the whole situation to be absurd. “This is what we’ve come to? People arguing about sandwiches and politics? Give me a break,” one commenter quipped. “I just want to enjoy a Primanti Bros. sandwich without thinking about Jon Voight’s feelings.”
A faction of Pittsburgh locals also voiced their dismay, particularly those who saw Voight and Vance’s criticism as an overreaction. “It’s a sandwich, man. Calm down,” one resident told reporters. “I don’t care who eats at Primanti Bros. as long as I get my sandwich with extra fries.”
Despite the political rhetoric surrounding the restaurant, many Pittsburghers remained loyal to Primanti Bros., vowing to continue enjoying the sandwiches that have become synonymous with Steel City culture. However, the controversy has also prompted calls for boycotts from some conservative corners, with fans of Voight and Vance declaring that they would take their business elsewhere.
While it remains to be seen how this controversy will affect Primanti Bros. in the long term, it has certainly placed the sandwich chain in the middle of a culture war. As businesses across the country navigate the fraught political landscape, the question of whether to embrace or reject wokeness continues to loom large.
For Jon Voight, the answer is clear. “I won’t compromise my values for a sandwich, no matter how good it tastes,” he said. “Primanti Bros. has made their choice, and I’ve made mine. There are plenty of other places to eat that haven’t gone woke.”
J.D. Vance, meanwhile, has vowed to keep fighting against what he calls “woke corporate America” and promised to continue supporting businesses that align with his values. “This isn’t just about sandwiches,” Vance said. “It’s about the future of our country. We need to stand up to these woke corporations and make our voices heard.”
