Former President Donald Trump made an unscheduled campaign stop at Tony and Nick's Steaks in South Philadelphia on Saturday, prior to a rally at Temple University in the key battleground state of Pennsylvania. The visit, which came as a surprise to the restaurant's owner, left a lasting impression on both staff and patrons.
Trump left a $500 tip and wrote "no taxes on tips" on the receipt, aligning with his recent campaign stance to end taxation on tips for service industry workers. This gesture highlighted a key issue facing many small business owners and their employees across the country.
Donald Trump writes 'Vote Trump for No Tax on Tips' on his receipt while getting cheesesteaks in Philly pic.twitter.com/XoNMFYEr5V
— SNOW TV® 📡🎥📺 RC 3662284 (@OfficialSnowtv) June 23, 2024
Nicky Lucidonio, owner of Tony and Nick's Steaks, expressed his excitement about the unexpected visit to Fox News Digital. "It was just unbelievable," Lucidonio said. "He was talking to people, you know, they're asking questions. He's answering them. He's signing hats. He signed and everything."
The visit was not pre-announced, with Lucidonio only aware of a large, mysterious order placed the day before by an unidentified woman for "some special people." The order comprised approximately 200 sandwiches.
The former president's stop at the cheesesteak shop brought attention to the challenges faced by small business owners, particularly regarding the taxation of tips. Lucidonio voiced his frustration with the current system, stating, "People put tips in our jar, you know, and then to tax those tips that these poor people live day-by-day is a joke. I mean, what else do you want to tax? It's crazy."
He further emphasized the impact on workers, noting, "People have to wonder. They're working in 100-degree weather in there." Lucidonio added, "The middle class is getting killed. We got to do something about it."
NEW: Young Trump supporter who is seen wearing a wig and a suit to look like Trump starts crying while meeting the former president.
Trump then pulled out a $20 bill and signed it to give to the kid before taking a photo.
The meeting happened in Philadelphia where Trump is… pic.twitter.com/fXDcM7Jniy
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 22, 2024
During his visit, Trump engaged with the crowd, even polling them on their preferences for a potential vice presidential candidate. When one bystander suggested J.D. Vance, Trump responded, "You like JD?"
