Why Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval Didn't Tell Lisa Vanderpump About Their New Bar

Vanderpump Rules Season 9 kicked off with some huge news from Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval. The BFFs decided to go out on their own and open up a new bar without Lisa Vanderpump and Ken Todd, whom they had notably partnered with to open Tom Tom in 2018.

There was just one problem: The Toms hadn't told Lisa and Ken about their plans yet. "As amazing as it is to see Ken and Lisa, I'm also slightly nervous, because I don't know if they know we're opening a new place or not," Sandoval said in an interview during the Vanderpump Rules Season 9 premiere, which aired on September 28.

When the Toms appeared on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen immediately after the episode aired (clip above), the titular host noted that the "No. 1 question" among fans was why they didn't tell Lisa and Ken about their new bar sooner, especially considering how much they have helped them in their careers in the hospitality industry. "There was some ambiguity for a while there with the future of our bar. But everything's going well now. Shout out to Greg Morris, our amazing partner," Schwartz explained. "Yeah, a lot of ambiguity. A lot of on-again, off-again. We're on-again, officially."

Sandoval added that there were some other people he wanted to share the news with first. "I mean, obviously I'm gonna tell my mom first before I tell Lisa Vanderpump," he said. "But yeah, we did tell her. As soon as it was full steam ahead, we told Lisa, explained everything."

Although, Schwartz did admit, "We were a little sheepish about it."

In fact, Lisa was actually the one to confront the Toms about the rumors of their new bar in the Vanderpump Rules Season 9 premiere. "All right, I heard — and I would just like to hear it from you — are you guys opening another restaurant or bar?" she asked Schwartz and Sandoval as they met to reopen Tom Tom.

The Toms confirmed that they are opening a new establishment of their own. "This is gonna be like James Turrell, light artist, like, went over to his grandma's house and took some acid," Sandoval shared. "It's really cool."

Lisa Vanderpump Confronts Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval About Their New Business

Even though Schwartz and Sandoval were apprehensive about telling Lisa about their new bar, she couldn't have been happier for them. "I want you to know that we support what you're doing," Lisa told the Toms after hearing the news.

Ken added, "We admire you for that because it's not easy."

The meeting ended with Schwartz and Sandoval thanking Lisa and Ken for their support.

Now if that doesn't make your heart melt, nothing will.

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