Just two years after opening, Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval‘s Hollywood bar Schwartz & Sandy’s will be closing at the end of December.
Both Sandoval and Schwartz posted about the closure on Instagram, with Sandoval writing, “With a heavy heart, we’ve made the difficult decision to close Schwartz & Sandy’s at the end of December.
“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,” he continued.
In March of 2023, just a few months after it had opened in late fall the previous year, fans of “Vanderpump Rules” flooded the bar and restaurant to check out the venue after it was revealed that Sandoval had been cheating on longtime girlfriend Ariana Madix with their co-star Raquel Leviss. The so-called #Scandoval brought attention to the bar, but it wasn’t all positive.
The Franklin Village lounge offered an eclectic menu of dishes including cacio e pepe pasta, steak frites and lobster corndogs in a glam setting adorned with palm trees, funky paintings and colorful wallpaper designs.
Staff complained that drama-seeking viewers weren’t tipping and were leaving negative comments. In a now-deleted Instagram post, the restaurant said in 2023, “Our staff, from the waitresses and bartenders to the cooks and dishwashers, all have nothing to do with this unfortunate situation. Please take into consideration that posting negative comments affects more than just the individual you may be upset with.”
Sandoval’s Monday post about the closing continued, “The allure of being associated with reality TV has hidden what is an amazing spot and location for LA locals as well. I highly recommend you check us out, especially if you haven’t yet. Let’s get together one more time.”
Like many other eateries in the post-pandemic restaurant environment, Schwartz & Sandy’s also struggled with financial issues, Schwartz told People Magazine, which first reported the closure. “Unfortunately, the current climate for this business is pretty rough. Recovering from all the negativity post-scandal wasn’t easy, and the slimmer margins post-COVID made it even harder to bounce back.”
Ultimately the attention from the scandal proved to be too much of the wrong kind of attention for the business, Schwartz indicated to People. “Tom and I learned the hard way about the pitfalls of having your name on the building. It comes with immense responsibility, and your personal life directly reflects on your business and your partners.”
Schwartz and Sandoval will continue to be a part of TomTom in West Hollywood with Lisa Vanderpump.
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