Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval, stars of Vanderpump Rules, have announced the impending closure of their restaurant, Schwartz & Sandy's, just two years after it opened its doors. The decision to shut down the establishment was shared with People exclusively, where Schwartz expressed the difficulty of the choice, citing it as one of the hardest decisions they’ve faced. "We agonized over it for quite some time because we truly believe it’s a great bar, still ripe with potential,” he said.
Schwartz & Sandy's opened its doors in November 2022, adding to the list of establishments under the Vanderpump brand, which also includes TomTom, the duo's previous venture with Lisa Vanderpump. Despite the initial excitement and potential they saw, the reality of running the bar set in quickly, particularly after the eruption of the infamous cheating scandal known as Scandoval. This scandal, where Sandoval was revealed to have cheated on long-time girlfriend Ariana Madix with co-star Raquel Leviss, brought significant negative attention to Schwartz & Sandy's, dealing it heavy blows financially and reputationally.
Reflecting on the struggles, Schwartz stated, "The current climate for this business is pretty rough. Recovering from all the negativity post-scandal wasn’t easy, and the slimmer margins post-COVID made it even harder to bounce back." The restaurant faced backlash from viewers unhappy with Sandoval’s actions, leading to numerous negative reviews online, which impacted staff morale and earnings.
Undeterred initially, Schwartz and Sandoval tried to preserve the bar's reputation through various events and promotions, even attempting to distance their personal issues from the business. Schwartz reminisced about the positive moments at Schwartz & Sandy's, where they created memories for countless patrons celebrating special occasions. "We had our ups and downs, but seeing our regulars come in and how S&S became a place for community was incredibly fulfilling," he remarked.
The Toms thoroughly invested their hearts and finances, with Schwartz admitting the project exerted substantial pressure on his personal life, including his marriage to Katie Maloney which ended around the same time as the bar's launch. "I really do think I would still be married if it weren't for the time and money commitment to the bar," Schwartz shared. He often spent long hours at the establishment, driven by his commitment to make it successful.
Tom Sandoval also reflected on the challenges, highlighting the burden of having his family invest heavily to support the venture, “My mom, my stepdad, they invested a quarter of a million dollars,” he said. The financial stakes were high, and the failure of Schwartz & Sandy's cast shadows not just over their careers but also their relationships, complicity, and public personas. The two friends navigated financial strain, managerial challenges, and personal conflicts, continuously working hard to maintain the business.
Although they faced overwhelming odds, Schwartz and Sandoval were hoping the holidays would provide a last burst of success for the restaurant. Schwartz shared optimism about hosting holiday events, saying, “We’re excited to finish strong at S&S over the holidays. Our world revolved around this place for the last three years—we ate, breathed, and slept it.” Both partners praised their staff for supporting them throughout the turbulent times, emphasizing the bar as more than just a money-making venture but also as a community hub.
The public reaction to the closure announcement has been mixed, drawing tears from dedicated fans of the show who followed the Toms’ tumultuous journeys through their professional and personal lives. Many fans have taken to social media to express their sadness over the closing, debating the series of events leading to this point. Schwartz & Sandy's had quickly turned from being one of the most anticipated openings to being embroiled in public relationship dramas, leading many to feel attached, invested, and sentimental about the bar's future.
Schwartz reiterated the bittersweet reality of closing shop, even as he and Sandoval prepare for their final events, marking the end of what was once considered their dream. “This was not an easy conclusion. So this is our farewell tour. Let Tom & I host your holiday parties, birthdays, even your lizard's funeral if that's what it takes,” Schwartz said, with humor masking his underlying disappointment. “You really create something meaningful, and it’s hard to let go.”
Fans from across the series have come together, sharing emotional tributes to the restaurant and recounting their own experiences within its walls. It seems Schwartz & Sandy's was woven deeply not only as part of Schwartz and Sandoval's lives but also as part of the fans' cultural fabric.
While the fate of Vanderpump Rules remains uncertain as speculations about its future surface, the closure of Schwartz & Sandy's reverberates across the community—a stark reminder of the blurred lines between reality television and personal reality. The significant highs and lows faced at Schwartz & Sandy's encapsulate the relationship struggles, heartbreak, and moments of joy shared by Schwartz, Sandoval, and their fans over the years.
Despite the challenges, both Schwartz and Sandoval have expressed they are not stepping back from the spotlight. Sandoval emphasized the lessons learned and the friendships strengthened through this venture and mentioned interest in future entrepreneurial activities. Schwartz similarly hinted at potential new beginnings following the closure, stating, “I’m leaving knowing I gave it my all.”
With the bar set to close its doors at the end of December, last-minute celebratory events, including holiday parties and themed nights, have been announced. Fans remain hopeful to create one last round of memories at Schwartz & Sandy's before its final bow. While the restaurant may be shutting down, the stories, struggles, and memories created within its walls will undoubtedly leave their mark on the hearts of the cast, the community, and their loyal fans.
