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TOM Schwartz feels ‘gutted’ about closing his passion project restaurant, Schwartz & Sandy’s, after feeling ‘abandoned’ by business partner Tom Sandoval, The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal.
The Vanderpump Rules stars announced on Monday that they will abruptly be closing doors to their famed bar in just a couple of weeks – giving little notice to fans who want to stop by for one last cheers.
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Though news has circulated that the restaurant’s business had dramatically slowed down, the announcement came as a shock after years of hefty financial investments and personal sacrifices.
“The Tom’s put their heart and soul into this restaurant. Schwartz especially gave it everything he had, his blood sweat and tears,” an insider told The U.S. Sun.
“It literally cost him his marriage, he did everything for it. He tried to host events and came in nearly every night to bring people in.
“Schwartz had a lot of ideas while Sandoval was off doing his own thing, I think Schwartz felt abandoned by him. [Sandoval] wasn’t around much and didn’t put in the same effort.
READ MORE ON VANDERPUMP RULES
“He wouldn’t come in for months and months during [Scandoval] and even after. But I mean it’s hit them both hard.
“They both invested a ton of money and they’re devastated, absolutely gutted. They kept throwing ideas out there but it was like throwing spaghetti at the wall and nothing was sticking.
“It ended up being a money pit that they couldn’t get out of,” the source added.
Schwartz & Sandy’s opened in a Franklin Village strip mall in November 2022, their first business venture separate from Tom Tom mentor Lisa Vanderpump.
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Their difficult and lengthy journey to get the space open was documented on Vanderpump Rules – where Schwartz admitted he would “probably still be married” if it weren’t for the time, and money, commitment to the bar.
Just a few months before the bar opened, The U.S. Sun exclusively revealed that Katie Maloney had split from husband Schwartz.
For his part, Sandoval also made a lot of sacrifices – on both behalf of himself and his family.
During the season 10 reunion, Sandoval, 42, revealed that his mom spent her entire retirement savings, roughly $250,000, as an investment in Schwartz & Sandy’s.
“My mom, my stepdad, they invested a quarter of a million dollars into this business venture, I mean, into me,” Sandoval confessed.
When host Andy Cohen asked if he had paid back his mom, Tom admitted “not yet.”
“Getting her her money back, their money back, is more important to me than getting my money back,” Schwartz added.
Despite the stress of pouring so much money into the establishment, Sandoval had been largely absent from Schwartz & Sandy’s since “Scandoval” broke out last year.
While Schwartz regularly would post on social media that he was at the bar and asked fans to “come in and hang out,” Sandoval rarely did the same.
“We hardly ever see [Sandoval] in here. It’s been a few months but Schwartz is in here nearly every day,” a Schwartz & Sandy’s staffer told The U.S. Sun earlier this year.
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Fans were vocal about their disdain for the reality star after he had an affair with Rachel Leviss during his 10-year relationship with Ariana Madix.
The restaurant’s bathroom was vandalized with hate messages and 1-star reviews tanked the business’s reputation online.
Due to this, Sandoval was not as involved with the business for months and continued to stay away even when the heat died down.
Additionally, Sandoval was away from Los Angeles as he toured with his cover band – though ticket sales for that also suffered as many venues were less than half full.
In more recent weeks, Sandoval has been spending time with his girlfriend, Victoria, and has not appeared to be as involved with the bar whereas Schwartz has been pictured working continually.
He was also out of the country for weeks as he filmed the upcoming season of Peacock’s The Traitors.
END OF AN ERA
Both Sandoval and Schwartz posted separate messages announcing the end of their bar to their Instagram accounts on Monday.
“With a heavy heart, we’ve made the difficult decision to close Schwartz & Sandy’s at the end of December,” Sandoval’s message read.
“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.
“To the incredible staff and everyone who supported us, thank you. You deserve the true recognition.
Vanderpump Rules Season 11 Cast
Vanderpump Rules has returned to Bravo for one of its most explosive seasons following the fallout of Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix’s relationship.
Returning Cast Members
- Lisa Vanderpump returns as one of the original cast mates and acts as a mentor and confidant to the group.
- Ariana Madix returns hurt following her ex, Tom Sandoval, cheating on her.
- James Kennedy has been expanding his DJ career and recently moved in with his girlfriend, Ally.
- Katie Maloney is working hard to open her sandwich restaurant with Ariana as she navigates life post-divorce.
- Lala Kent has struck up an unexpected friendship with Tom Schwartz, which has caused a rift between her and the rest of the girls.
- Scheana Shay is navigating married life with Brock and a toddler as they leave the honeymoon period.
- Tom Sandoval has been attempting to work on himself and start repairing his broken relationships.
- Tom Schwartz embraces a new appearance change as he takes blows for helping his pal Tom in his affair with Ariana.
New Cast Members
- Ally Lewber is focusing on becoming an astronomer attempting to find friendships in the group after she and James embrace suburban life.
- Brock Davies has been testing out new dynamics as a family man
“I can’t thank you enough for your endless commitment to making Schwartz & Sandy’s a place of everlasting memories.
“The allure of being associated with reality TV has hidden what is an amazing spot and location for L.A. locals as well.
“I highly recommend you check us out, especially if you haven’t yet.
Let’s get together one last time.”
Schwartz shared a similar message but ended the caption on a more optimistic note: “Well s**t 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 . Book your events for our last hurrah.”
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