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Lisa Reacts to Sandoval Saying He Didn’t Want Her Involved in Schwartz & Sandy’s
Vanderpump Rules restaurateur Lisa Vanderpump shares why she “didn’t like” Tom Sandoval’s comments about not wanting to work “under” her.
As Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz worked to open Schwartz & Sandy’s with their partner, Greg, they often went to Lisa Vanderpump for advice. However, as Sandoval explained during Season 10 Episode 10, that was where they wanted the restaurateur’s involvement in their new venture to end.
During an episode interview, Sandoval (who is a 5% owner of Lisa and Ken Todd’s bar and restaurant Tom Tom) explained, “One of the things Schwartz and I were really looking forward to with opening up Schwartz & Sandy’s was being able to make our own decisions without being under Lisa Vanderpump.”
On Part 1 of the show’s Season 10 reunion, Lisa admitted that comment didn’t sit particularly well with her. “I didn’t like it when Tom said, ‘Oh, you know, I don’t need Lisa Vanderpump,’” she shared on the episode, which aired Wednesday, May 24. “I’ve done everything, even giving you 5% of Tom Tom to give you a chance, a start.”
Although Sandoval and Schwartz didn’t want Lisa financially involved in their new venture, they did ultimately end up taking back their initial Tom Tom investment from Lisa and Ken. “I gave them [the investment] back the week they opened [Schwartz & Sandy’s] because they needed money,” Lisa explained. Later, she noted that she was particularly hurt by Sandoval’s comments because she has “always been there, on their side” and “it's not an easy place to be always.”
Lisa’s Involvement in Schwartz & Sandy’s
Although Lisa is not an official partner in Schwartz & Sandy’s, which opened in November 2022, she helped the Toms throughout the process of creating their new business. In addition to returning their initial Tom Tom investment to help them finance their new bar, Lisa gave them continuous advice and even offered to buy out their partner, Greg, as viewers saw on Season 10 Episode 7.
During the same episode, Lisa expressed her frustration over seeing Schwartz and Sandoval struggle to get the business off the ground. “I’ve been telling them forever they need to just open the doors, just get it ready, do whatever it takes. Work 24/7,” she said. “It’s very important they understand, unless they open the doors, they’re going to lose everything.”
Will Lisa Continue to Work with Sandoval in the Future?
On the March 8 episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Lisa was asked if she was considering buying out Sandoval’s ownership in Tom Tom amid his split from Ariana Madix.
“They’re my partners,” she said. “I’m gonna stick by them unless they need the money.” However, she couldn’t confirm what the future holds for their business relationship. “I don’t know. I really don’t know,” she said. “It’s so quick and it feels like such a rough and bumpy ride. I haven’t really made any decisions about anything.”
During Part 1 of the Season 10 reunion, Ariana shared that Lisa’s continuing to work with Sandoval would impact their friendship. “We just won’t be as close,” she said, to which Lisa asked, “What do you expect me to do?”
“I don’t expect anything of anyone,” Ariana said. “I mean, I’m not someone who’s going to be giving Lisa business advice.” Ultimately, Lisa said to Ariana, “If Tom remains my partner, I don’t want that to affect our relationship.”
