Stars from “Vanderpump Rules” showed support to Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval after they announced they are closing their Franklin Village bar, Schwartz & Sandy’s.
In separate Instagram posts on November 25, 2024, the duo confirmed they made the difficult decision to shut down the bar they first opened in November 2022.
“With a heavy heart we’ve made the difficult decision to close Schwartz & Sandy’s at the end of December,” Sandoval wrote on Instagram. “This hasn’t been an easy choice for my partners or me, but other priorities and commitments have taken hold.”
On his social media page, Schwartz wrote, “No easy way to say this but after careful consideration, Greg, Tom and I made the decision to close Schwartz and Sandy’s by the end of the year. This was not an easy conclusion, so this is our farewell tour.”
Multiple Bravo stars reacted to the news, including Schwartz’s ex-wife Katie Maloney, and Sandoval’s former girlfriend Kristen Doute. In addition, Sandoval’s new girlfriend Victoria Lee Robinson had a lot to say.
Katie Maloney Cracked a Joke About the Bar’s Name & Sandoval’s Girlfriend Defended Him
“Vanderpump Rules” fans may recall that the bar’s name was a point of contention for Maloney, who was still married to Schwartz at the time Schwartz & Sandy’s opened. During an appearance on “Watch What Happens Live,” she suggested the two call their bar Once Upon a Tom instead of Schwartz & Sandy’s.
Schwartz also admitted he didn’t like the name Schwartz & Sandy’s, but Sandoval won that battle.
In response to the closure news, Maloney commented on Schwartz’ post to say, “I have an idea… it rhymes with Katie Maloney’s bar and grill. JUST KIDDING. I’m looking forward to what’s next for you 🖤.”
Co-star Scheana Shay wrote, “I’m really sorry to hear this. I know you gave this your absolute ALL and you should be so proud of that! This place was beyond the coolest aesthetic in all of LA. ✨.”
“Love you man, you literally poured your heart into that place. ❤️,” added former “Vanderpump Rules” star Jax Taylor.
“❤️ so sorry Tom, we love you!” wrote Brittany Cartwright.
“love you tommy 🩵 so proud of you,” added Kristen Doute.
Stars from other Bravo shows also reacted to the news.
“Summer House” star Kyle Cooke wrote, “You gave it your all – something to be proud of. Sometimes the stars don’t align and the journey is full of learning lessons, but the biggest regret of all would have been not trying in the first place. Hats off to you guys for putting your blood sweat and tears into something and actually running your own business. Where there’s no risk there’s no reward. Love you buddy. 🙌❤️🙌❤️.”
“Sad to hear, glad I got to check it out Saturday, thought the vibes and the drinks were great. Good bumping into you 👌,” added “Southern Charm” alum Rod Razavi.
Sandoval didn’t get as much love from Bravo stars. In a comment to his post, “Vanderpump Rules” alum Israel Isaac wrote, “This place was the stepping stone that has gotten me to where I am today. Forever Grateful & so much more ahead for you my friends. 🫶🏿.”
Sandoval’s girlfriend Victoria Lee Robinson also shared a lengthy post in defense of him. She pointed out that the bar owners had multiple setbacks. “I’m so proud of you,” the model wrote. “If only you were allowed to properly promote the place on the show as planned. If only someone would have allowed you to have access to the shopping center sign that came with the property so people could see it as the place is in a hidden corner… I mean, you guys don’t even have control of your own Instagram… The list goes on and on… I felt bad from the beginning for the both of you. …Remember people don’t know what goes on behind closed doors and don’t know all the facts. “
Schwartz & Sandy’s Struggled Early On
Fans watched the long process to get Schwartz & Sandy’s opened during seasons 9 and 10 of “Vanderpump Rules.” Just five months after the bar opened its doors to the public, Sandoval was embroiled in a cheating scandal with his then “Vanderpump Rules” co-star, Rachel Leviss. His bar business was hit with immense backlash.
In a “Vanderpump Rules” season 11 episode, Schwartz admitted the other partners wanted to distance themselves from Sandoval. “We all had to clean up Tom’s mess,” Schwartz told Lisa Vanderpump in one episode, per People magazine. “He has severely tainted the brand name. My partners don’t want to work with him.”
“We did ask Sandoval to step away from Schwartz & Sandy’s,” Schwartz added. “My partners told Tom that if he comes in, they’re gonna close the doors and that he’s not welcome there.”
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‘Vanderpump Rules’ Stars Show Support to Tom Schwartz & Sandoval Amid Bar Closure