Was Scandoval The Reason Why Tom Sandoval And Tom Schwartz Closed Schwartz & Sandy’s?

The cast of the original Vanderpump Rules found fame in their own way thanks to the beloved Bravo series. A few cast members joined other reality TV shows like The Valley, some launched successful podcasts, while others opened up their own bars and restaurants thanks to their immense fame.

Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz worked alongside Lisa Vanderpump to open up their restaurant, Schwartz & Sandy’s, in 2022. However, in November, both Toms announced that the business was officially closing. VPR fans believe that it had a lot to do with Tom Sandoval’s scandalous affair with costar Rachel “Raquel” Leviss, which ended his nearly 10-year relationship with Ariana Madix. Everyone on the planet was Team Ariana and, despite getting cheated on, she reaped the benefits of what was dubbed Scandoval.

With Tom Sandoval being named as reality TV’s biggest villain, it had a huge effect on his and his co-star’s business.

Tom Schwartz Believed Tom Sandoval’s Affair Negatively Affected Their Restaurant And Bar Schwartz & Sandy’s

Opening a restaurant is not easy, and it appears that even celebrities face difficulties having their businesses remain open. For Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval, their Los Angeles lounge, Schwartz & Sandy’s, seemed to be a hit thanks to their loyal Vanderpump Rules fans, but after the latter’s affair, these same fans not only turned on him, but didn’t want to spend a dime on him and his business.

Schwartz believes this is what ultimately led the duo to close Schwartz & Sandy’s after just two years in business. Season 10 of VPR exposed Sandoval’s affair with Rachel and his entire cast turned on him. Despite Season 11 showing Sandoval trying to make amends with his close-knit circle, the affair still cast a negative light on the reality star and his title of villain would remain.

“Deciding to close was one of the hardest decisions we’ve made. 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,” he shared with People.

Schwartz added that all the “negative press over the last year” hit their business hard and the lounge faced financial difficulties that were too big to overcome. In addition, the reality star told People that it was a huge risk to put their names on a business because “your personal life directly reflects on your business and your partners.”

Tom Schwartz Gets Love From His VPR Cast After Announcing His Business Closing

Both Toms took to Instagram to announce the closing of Schwartz & Sandy’s. Schwartz shared several photos of the lounge’s interior and also shared a very uplifting caption despite the sad news.

“Well s*** guys, sad as hell to post this. I’ll do a more sentimental post down the road. Just wanna keep it upbeat and throw some parties to close out the year. Let me and @tomsandoval1 host your events as we begin our farewell tour 🙏❤️ I’m gonna be bold and leave the comments ON . Breathe X reboot. I have a cold Coors light & a Publix sub as I type this in Florida. We are gonna finish FUN.”

Schwartz’ fellow Vanderpump Rules castmates commented on his post showing major support for their 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.”

“❤️ so sorry Tom, we love you!” Brittany Cartwright said.

“love you tommy 🩵 so proud of you,” Kristen Doute wrote, while Jax Taylor also commented, “Love you man, you literally poured your heart in to that place. ❤️”

In fact, even his ex-wife, Katie Maloney, commented on his post to show him some much-needed love and a good laugh. The two have remained amicable since their divorce in 2022.

“I have an idea… it’s rhymes with Katie Maloneys bar and grill. JUST KIDDING. I’m looking forward to what’s next for you 🖤”

Tom Sandoval’s Girlfriend, Victoria, Doesn’t Want People To Blame Her Boyfriend: “People Don’t Know What Goes On Behind Closed Doors”

Sandoval shared his own Instagram post about the closing of Schwartz & Sandy’s, but did not share a personal caption. The reality star’s post seemed a bit more formal than his partners:

“With a heavy heart we’ve made the difficult decision to close Schwartz & Sandy’s at the end of December. 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 began his statement.

Interestingly, Sandoval’s girlfriend, Victoria Robsinson, reacted to his post by spilling some tidbits about the lounge that fans may not have had any idea about. In her lengthy comment, Victoria eluded that her boyfriend was not to blame for Schwartz & Sandy’s closing. She even blamed Vanderpump Rules for failing to “properly promote” the restaurant.

“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),” she wrote.

Victoria continued, “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. 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. I love you. ❤️”

Both Toms Still Run Tom Tom Restaurant

While it’s heartbreaking to hear the reality stars having to shut down their L.A. lounge, both men still own and operate their restaurant, Tom Tom. Located in West Hollywood, Sandoval and Schwartz collaborated with Lisa Vanderpump and her husband, Ken Todd, to open the business in 2018.

In his aforementioned interview with People, Schwartz wanted to let his fans know not to be too discouraged because they’ll “still be holding things down at Tom Tom.”

In other good news, Schwartz told the outlet that he would be launching his podcast Detox/Retox sometime in 2025. “I’m super excited about that,” he said, adding, “I’d also like to get behind the camera and produce some shows.”

Additionally, it’s been confirmed that Schwartz will also be starring alongside his former VPR cast members, including Lala Kent and Scheana Shay, in Season 2 of The Valley.

As for Sandoval, he has starred in several reality shows, too. In 2023, the reality star appeared in Season 10 of The Masked Singer and Season 2’s Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test. In November, it was announced that Sandoval would join the Season 3 cast of The Traitors, which seems very fitting.