Schwartz & Sandy’s, the Los Angeles bar owned by Vanderpump Rules stars and BFFs Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval, will be closing its doors at the end of December.
As fans of ‘Vanderpump Rules’ may remember, Schwartz and Sandoval opened in late 2022. Less than six months later, the bar became collateral damage amid “Scandoval”– Sandoval’s cheating scandal with fellow ‘Vanderpump Rules’ star Rachel Leviss– during which Sandoval begged fans on social media to stop trashing the business online following a wave of negative reviews and fans calling for a boycott of the establishment.
Sandoval was the first to post the announcement on Monday that Schwartz and Sandy’s would soon be closing, telling followers the decision to close the bar wasn’t easy for him or his partners, “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 wrote, before going on to thank the staff of Schwartz & Sandy’s, as well as those who have supported the business. “ … We’ll be hosting a series of events and have availability to host others leading up to our closing night.”
In his Instagram message, Sandoval pointed at the bar’s reality TV ties as being one of the reasons it wasn’t fully accepted by patrons.
“The allure of being associated with reality TV has hidden what is an amazing spot and location for LA locals as well,” Sandoval continued. “I highly recommend you check us out, especially if you haven’t yet. Let’s get together once last time.”
Schwartz went on to share his own post announcing the closing of Schwartz & Sandy’s, while mentioning that the decision was made by him, Sandoval and their business partner, Greg Morris. Schwartz encouraged patrons to join them as they “end this era on a high note.”
“There’s some peace in knowing I gave my absolute all into S&S, fully committed with every fiber of my being,” Schwartz added. “To all the patrons who came in & supported us, showed me love every single night I was in there, you kept me going through some of the harder times … Just know we are so grateful, sharing your magic with us has been a true honor … .”
There was also a joint announcement posted to the establishment’s Instagram page.
Schwartz’s announcement was met with many comments from fans and co-stars– both past and present– commending him for the work he put into Schwartz & Sandy’s. One of those comments was from Katie Maloney, who was still married to Schwartz when the Toms were working to open Schwartz and Sandy’s in 2022. (The pair split before the official opening in November 2022.)
“I have an idea… [it] rhymes with Katie Maloney’s bar and grill,” Katie wrote. “JUST KIDDING. I’m looking forward to what’s next for you 🖤.”
“I’m really sorry to hear this,” Schwartz’s ‘Vanderpump Rules’ co-star Scheana Shay commented. “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.”
Schwartz also received some comments of support from The Valley stars Kristen Doute, Zack Wickham and Jax Taylor– the “owner” of Jax’s Studio City, who praised Schwartz for pouring his heart into Schwartz & Sandy’s.
While many of the comments on Schwartz’s announcement seemed to focus on the good times that were had at Schwartz and Sandy’s, Sandoval made sure to pin a comment left on his announcement from girlfriend Victoria Lee Robinson, who blamed the establishment’s closing on a bevy of factors, including an alleged inability to properly promote the restaurant on ‘Vanderpump Rules.’
“ … If only you were allowed to properly promote the place on the show as planned,” Victoria wrote. “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.. (which I tried to pay for and surprise you with MULTIPLE times but was turned down).
“ … I mean, you guys don’t even have control of your own Instagram… ,” she continued. “The list goes on and on… I felt bad from the beginning for the both of you. I love you and I’m here to support you always. Remember people don’t know what goes on behind closed doors and don’t know all the facts … .”
There were also multiple comments on Sandoval’s post that mentioned the $250,000 investment his mom contributed towards the bar, which Sandoval previously admitted he had yet to pay back.
Other comments seemed to blame Schwartz and Sandy’s closing on Sandoval still being involved in the bar.
“If you stepped down, it probably would have thrived… but no one expected you to do something that selfless,” one person wrote, with another adding, “I’m surprised it lasted this long.”
Schwartz & Sandy’s will remain open through December.
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(Photos: Instagram; Bravo)
