In what may be the greatest fallout over pastrami in political history, Primanti Bros. has lost three of its most loyal sponsors following the controversial snubbing of Republican vice-presidential nominee J.D. Vance. Once the pride of Pittsburgh’s food scene, the sandwich chain has found itself in a pickle—losing sponsors, customers, and, possibly, its iconic status—all over a misunderstanding that now looks like a full-blown political nightmare.

It all began innocuously enough: J.D. Vance, fresh off the campaign trail, made a stop at Primanti Bros.’ North Versailles location to meet some supporters, take a few photos, and, presumably, bite into one of the chain’s famous sandwiches. But instead of being greeted with open arms and stacked sandwiches, Vance was met with a manager who firmly told him, “J.D.’s not allowed in here.”

The reason? Apparently, Primanti Bros. isn’t a fan of “campaign stops,” even if they’re as brief as a handshake and a photo-op. The refusal to let Vance inside sparked outrage among his supporters, many of whom took to social media to accuse the chain of political bias. After all, just a few weeks prior, Vice President Kamala Harris had been warmly welcomed at the very same location for a “private event” that conveniently cleared out paying customers to make way for her entourage.

The double standard ignited the flames of controversy, and before long, the #BoycottPrimanti hashtag was trending across social media. The fallout didn’t stop there, as Trump supporters vowed to stop eating at the chain altogether. As the boycott gained steam, the company’s three biggest sponsors—who once basked in the warm glow of Primanti’s popularity—were quick to jump ship.

In a world where politics can suddenly become your brand’s biggest liability, Primanti Bros.’ sponsors wasted no time distancing themselves from the unfolding controversy. First to go was French Fry Friends, the brand responsible for the crispy potato magic that goes into every Primanti sandwich.

In a statement released on social media, French Fry Friends announced, “We believe in the power of food to bring people together, not tear them apart. Unfortunately, recent events at Primanti Bros. do not align with our values, and we will no longer be partnering with the chain. We thank them for years of collaboration, but it’s time to part ways.”

Losing a French fry sponsor might not seem like a big deal at first, but for Primanti Bros., whose sandwiches are defined by their signature fries, this was the equivalent of pulling the cheese from a cheeseburger—it just doesn’t work.

Next in line for the exit was Steel City Sauce, the official hot sauce provider of the sandwich chain. Known for its spicy kick, Steel City Sauce had long been a fixture in every Primanti location, giving patrons a fiery addition to their already packed sandwiches. But even the heat of the sauce couldn’t withstand the heat of the political controversy.

“As a brand rooted in Pittsburgh pride, we’ve always believed in inclusivity and respect for all,” read Steel City Sauce’s statement. “Recent actions by Primanti Bros. have made it clear that they do not share these same values. Effective immediately, we are ending our partnership.”

And the final nail in the sandwich coffin? None other than Pennsylvania’s Pride Brewing, the local beer company that had been a Primanti Bros. staple for years. In a statement dripping with corporate diplomacy, Pennsylvania’s Pride Brewing explained, “We’ve had a longstanding relationship with Primanti Bros., and we’re proud of the role we’ve played in their success. However, in light of the recent political controversy, we feel it’s in the best interest of our brand to withdraw our sponsorship.”

The loss of three major sponsors in such quick succession has left Primanti Bros. in crisis mode. Once known for its loyal partners and community ties, the sandwich chain is now left scrambling to figure out how to replace the sponsors who were as integral to its brand as the meats and fries it’s famous for.

As Primanti Bros. tries to navigate its way out of this public relations disaster, the question on everyone’s mind is simple: Can they recover? Losing three major sponsors in such a short time is a significant blow to any company, but for Primanti Bros., a brand that thrives on its local partnerships and community involvement, it’s a devastating hit.

To make matters worse, the social media boycott that began with Trump supporters has shown no signs of slowing down. Customers who once flocked to the sandwich chain are now reconsidering their loyalty, wondering whether the company is more interested in playing politics than serving sandwiches.

“First, they block J.D. Vance from entering, and now they’re trying to walk it back like nothing happened?” said one former patron on X. “I’m done with Primanti Bros. No amount of fries can make me forget how they treated conservatives.”

For its part, Primanti Bros. has tried to downplay the incident, issuing a series of statements attempting to smooth things over. “We regret the confusion surrounding Senator Vance’s visit,” the company said in one statement. “At Primanti Bros., we welcome all patrons regardless of political affiliation. Unfortunately, miscommunication at one location has led to misunderstandings that we are working hard to address.”

But the public isn’t buying it. And as the boycotts continue, many are wondering whether more sponsors will follow the lead of French Fry Friends, Steel City Sauce, and Pennsylvania’s Pride Brewing.

The Primanti Bros. controversy raises a larger question about the role of politics in business. At a time when every tweet, handshake, and endorsement can have massive repercussions, even something as innocent as a sandwich shop can get caught in the crosshairs. For decades, Primanti Bros. was a symbol of unity in Pittsburgh—a place where everyone, from blue-collar workers to tourists, could bond over a sandwich stacked with fries. Now, the chain finds itself at the center of a culture war, torn between two political worlds.

For some, the controversy is a sign of the times. “This is what happens when businesses try to get involved in politics,” said one critic. “It’s not about sandwiches anymore; it’s about which side you’re on.”

For others, it’s a cautionary tale about the power of social media. “If you can lose three sponsors because of one viral moment, no company is safe,” said another.

As Primanti Bros. faces the challenge of regaining its footing, one thing is clear: politics and pastrami don’t mix as well as fries and coleslaw.

With three major sponsors gone and no sign of the boycott slowing down, the road ahead for Primanti Bros. is uncertain. Will they be able to win back their loyal customers, or will they continue to suffer from the fallout of the J.D. Vance incident? Only time will tell.

In the meantime, Primanti Bros. is left to ponder a tough question: How do you rebuild a brand when your fries, sauce, and beer are all gone?

For now, they’re left with nothing but empty buns and political baggage.