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Tom Schwartz Has Big Things in Store for 2024: "I Need to Be Anywhere but Los Angeles"
The Vanderpump Rules cast member is ready for a change of scenery.
Tom Schwartz is diving into the new year with a renewed sense of optimism.
It’s no secret that 2023 brought many challenges to the Minnesota native, as he endured a tidal wave of drama in both his platonic and romantic relationships. Not only was he trying to navigate post-divorce life, but he also found himself in the middle of a Vanderpump Rules scandal: the highly publicized breakup between his bestie Tom Sandoval and his former friend Ariana Madix.
The Winter House cast member reflected on his year in the December 21 episode of the Everybody Loves Tom podcast, co-hosted by his castmate Tom Sandoval and musician Jason Bader.
“I know there were some low points, and at one point I turned into a recluse and a hermit,” he said. “It got bleak for a while, but there were some good points, too.”
Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval tease "upgrades" to their restaurant
Tom Sandoval echoed his castmate and acknowledged the events of 2023 had an unfortunate impact on their friendship as well as their restaurant/cocktail lounge, Schwartz & Sandy’s.
“I feel like this past year has put a lot of pressure and strain on our relationship,” he said. “[And] of course, our business, but that business has also put a strain on our friendship.”
"Dude, it's a great f--king spot," Tom Schwartz said about the eatery. "It's unfortunate we became a beacon of so much negativity, or a lightning rod for so much negativity. Every time people come in, they rave to me before they leave: 'Dude, I honestly didn't have high expectations, but I love the food, love the vibes, great music, great drinks.'"
The Toms went on to tease major plans for their restaurant, including upgrades to their food and drink menus, as well as the expansion of their music program.
Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval are preparing to head overseas
Tom Schwartz said he was ready for a change after spending the bulk of the year as Tom Sandoval’s “backup character," and he hoped their upcoming getaway would help facilitate his "reset."
”We’re going on vacation. Our first vacation — my first vacation since 2018,” Tom Sandoval said. “We are going to Hong Kong, Singapore, and to Bangkok.”
Needless to say, Tom Schwartz was stoked about the vacation and had an idea of how it would all play out.
Tom Schwartz says he's been wanting to do *this* his "whole life"
“We’re eating, we’re praying, we’re loving,” he said. “We’re gonna indulge in some culture. I’m gonna eat like I’ve never eaten before. I’m probably gonna get a tattoo, like a subtle one… I never really seeked out that therapy that I was looking for this year, and I feel like I’m gonna get that from this trip. I’ve been needing to get away for a long time.”
Tom Sandoval reassured his friend that the trip would be “therapeutic,” but stressed the importance of going to an actual therapist.
“I will do that,” Tom Schwartz replied. “I’ve just been avoiding it… I’m happy just to go. I just want to go and experience new cultures. I want to be anywhere but Los Angeles, even though I love it here and I’m so grateful that I live here… I’ve been wanting to do this trip my whole life.”
