Lisa Vanderpump Reacts to Schwartz & Sandy's Closing: "It Was a Hard Blow"
Plus, learn where the Vanderpump Rules boss stands with Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval today.
Lisa Vanderpump is mourning the closing of Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval's beloved bar, Schwartz & Sandy's, which is slated to close later this month. The Vanderpump Rules boss had worked closely with the co-owners when opening their first business, Tom Tom, together, in 2018, and knows just how hard the restaurant business can be.
Lisa shared her reaction to the big news during an interview with Access Hollywood's Housewives Nightcap on Dec. 5. "It was a hard blow," she admitted. The new Pinky's by Vanderpump owner, who has owned over 30 bars and restaurants, admitted that she didn't know that Schwartz & Sandy's was closing until Tom Schwartz took to Instagram on Nov. 25, where he formally announced that the bar would be closing before the start of 2025.
"I'm very sad to see Schwartz & Sandy's close because that was such a struggle and it was a very difficult time to start a restaurant business," she continued.
Does Lisa Vanderpump keep in touch with Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval?
Of course she does. During the interview, Lisa revealed that Tom Schwartz really "makes an effort" to keep in contact with her. "[Tom] Schwartz is wonderful," she explained.
"I don't really think [Tom] Schwartz changed since he first came on the show," she continued. "I mean, that's both good and bad. I definitely have a good relationship with him."
Lisa then noted that she loves keeping in touch with the "original cast" of VPR, which includes Tom Sandoval. "The original cast, yeah, I'm good with," she said.
Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval's statements on Schwartz & Sandy's closing
Tom Schwartz took to his Instagram account on Nov. 25, where he announced that Schwartz & Sandy's would close "by the end of the year." "Let Tom and I host your holiday parties, birthdays, even a funeral for your lizard (RIP Daug)," he wrote in the statement.
"It's a celebration so many of us working here have poured our hearts into over the last few years," he continued. "Let's end this era on a high note and come on by, bring your friends, toast to the upcoming holidays, and let's manifest together a kick ass New Year. There's some peace in knowing I gave my absolute all into S&S, fully committed with every fiber of my being."
Tom Sandoval took to his Instagram account that same day where he thanked the patrons for all of their support. "This hasn't been an easy choice for my partners and me, but other priorities and commitments have taken hold," he wrote. "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."
Lisa Vanderpump opens up on VPR Season 12 cast shakeup
Lisa also said that she was surprised that the bar announced that it was closing around the same time that it was revealed VPR would return for Season 12 in 2025 with a brand new cast. According to a press release for the new season, "Under Lisa Vanderpump's watchful eye, the West Hollywood mainstay SUR — and now Tom Tom — welcomes the new batch of servers, hosts, and bartenders rife with plenty of drama, situationships, and frenemies."
LVP reflected on the change on Instagram, writing in late November, "What a wild ride the last 11 years have been. Thank you to all of our cast for sharing your lives and stories and for being a part of this journey. How I’ve loved each and every one of you."
During her interview with Access Hollywood, Lisa revealed that she is ready for the show to return to its roots with this upcoming season. "I think it was like, we told the story," she explained. "It was time to go back to the original premise of the show, which was so fascinating...It was time to go back to grassroots."
