In a surprising twist of events, Academy Award-winning actor Jon Voight has made headlines for rejecting a staggering $100 million sponsorship offer from Primanti Bros., the iconic Pittsburgh sandwich chain known for its signature sandwiches stacked high with fries. However, it wasn’t the generous paycheck or the tempting lifetime supply of sandwiches that led Voight to decline. Instead, he cited the chain’s alleged embrace of “woke culture” as the reason for walking away from the deal.

Voight, a staunch supporter of conservative values, shared his decision through a fiery social media post that immediately caught the attention of his fanbase. “I never thought I’d see the day when even a place like Primanti Bros. would bow down to the woke mob,” Voight said. “They offered me $100 million, fries and all, but no amount of money is worth sacrificing my principles. They’ve gone woke, and I can’t support that.”
Primanti Bros. recently launched a promotional campaign celebrating inclusivity and diversity, featuring employees from various backgrounds. The message was clear: Primanti Bros. is a welcoming space for “all people, no matter where they come from.” While many customers praised the restaurant’s approach, it raised alarms for Voight, who viewed it as political pandering.
“I’m all for respecting others, but when you start pushing political agendas through sandwiches, that’s where I draw the line,” Voight continued. “A sandwich should be a sandwich, not a symbol of virtue-signaling.”
Voight is not alone in his stance against Primanti Bros.’ perceived shift toward “woke” marketing. Republican senator and vice-presidential candidate J.D. Vance also chimed in, recounting an incident in which he was barred from entering a Primanti Bros. location during a campaign stop. According to Vance, the restaurant’s manager refused him entry, stating, “J.D.’s not allowed in,” sparking conservative backlash against the chain.
“This is just another example of how the left’s woke agenda is infiltrating every aspect of our lives,” Vance commented. “First, they try to shut down free speech, and now they won’t even let me enjoy a sandwich.”
Primanti Bros. attempted to take a neutral stance in the midst of the controversy. In a public statement, the restaurant expressed disappointment in Voight’s decision but reiterated its commitment to inclusivity. “We’ve always prided ourselves on being a welcoming place for all members of our community. While we regret that Mr. Voight has chosen not to partner with us, we respect his decision and wish him the best.”
The restaurant also addressed the incident involving Vance, clarifying that the issue was due to logistical concerns on the day of his visit. “Our doors are open to everyone, regardless of political affiliation,” the statement read.
As news of Voight’s rejection spread, social media quickly became flooded with opinions from both sides of the political spectrum. Supporters of Voight applauded his decision to stand up for his beliefs, with one Twitter user commenting, “Jon Voight turning down $100 million because Primanti Bros. went woke is the kind of bravery we need right now.” Meanwhile, critics of Voight found the situation absurd, with one remarking, “This is what we’ve come to? Arguing about sandwiches and politics?”
Despite the uproar, Primanti Bros. remains committed to its mission of serving great food to the Pittsburgh community, wokeness or not. Whether the controversy will have a long-term impact on the chain remains to be seen, but many locals have vowed to remain loyal to the iconic sandwich shop. “It’s a sandwich, man. Calm down,” one Pittsburgh resident quipped.
For Jon Voight, the decision to walk away from the deal was clear. “I won’t compromise my values for a sandwich, no matter how good it tastes,” he said. As for Vance, he continues his fight against what he calls “woke corporate America,” promising to support businesses that align with his values.
This saga highlights the growing challenge businesses face as they navigate the intersection of politics and commerce. In an era where even sandwiches are subject to scrutiny, Primanti Bros. finds itself in the middle of a culture war. Whether the sandwich chain will suffer or survive amid the controversy is uncertain, but one thing is clear: Jon Voight won’t be part of their future.