Vanderpump Rules stars Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz announced on Monday that they are closing their Los Angeles bar, Schwartz & Sandy’s, at the end of December after two years of operation.
The reality TV stars cited challenging finances and Sandoval’s cheating scandal as reasons for the bar’s closure in a statement to People. Sandoval and Schwartz opened the bar in November 2022 just a few months before it was reported that Sandoval cheated on his longtime girlfriend, Ariana Madix, with castmate Rachel Leviss, a pop culture scandal now known as “Scandoval.”
“Deciding to close was one of the hardest decisions we’ve made,” Schwartz shared. “We agonized over it for quite some time because we truly believe it’s a great bar, still ripe with potential. Unfortunately, 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.”
Schwartz added, “It’s already a tough business, and the damage from relentless negative press over the last year made it even harder. It was difficult not to feel resentful and bitter, but eventually, we had to let it go — no more replaying what went wrong.”
Schwartz & Sandy’s was the second business the Toms launched together after opening restaurant and bar TomTom in 2018 with Lisa Vanderpump. The bar’s opening was documented for Bravo cameras, but fans were quick to turn on Sandoval and his businesses — leaving negative reviews of Schwartz & Sandy’s on social media — after Scandoval made headlines.
Sandoval elaborated on the pair’s decision to close the bar in a statement posted to Instagram on Monday.
“With a heavy heart, we’ve made the difficult decision to close Schwartz & Sandy’s at the end of December,” Sandoval shared. “This hasn’t been an easy choice for my partners and me, but other priorities and commitments have taken hold. While this business venture has been an incredible stepping stone in my life, one I will always cherish, I look forward to exciting new endeavors.”
Sandoval added that Schwartz & Sandy’s will host several events over the next few weeks and the bar is still available to book for private events until closing night.
“The allure of being associated with reality TV has hidden what is an amazing spot and location for L.A. locals,” he wrote. “I highly recommend you check us out, especially if you haven’t yet. Let’s get together one last time.”
Source: Hollywoodreporter
