“We agonized over it for quite some time” — Vanderpump Rules star Tom Schwartz on closing Schwartz & Sandy’s after two years

Schwartz & Sandy’s, a bar co-owned by Vanderpump Rules stars Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval, is set to close its doors after two years of operation. The news was announced exclusively to People magazine on November 25, 2024, with the duo reflecting on the challenges and decisions leading to this outcome.

The bar, opened in November 2022, was their second venture after TomTom, launched in collaboration with Lisa Vanderpump. Tom Schwartz said,

"We agonized over it for quite some time because we truly believe it’s a great bar, still ripe with potential."

The decision to close Schwartz & Sandy’s came amid financial struggles and the effects of public backlash following Sandoval’s widely reported cheating scandal in 2023. The owners described the move as a difficult but necessary step to address the realities of operating a business in a competitive market.

They expressed gratitude for the learning experiences and memories created through this venture. They shared their future plans, including Schwartz’s interest in media projects, including starting a podcast, and Sandoval’s continued involvement in upcoming television opportunities.

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Vanderpump Rules star Schwartz reflects on the challenges of operating a bar

Vanderpump Rules star Schwartz shared that the decision to close Schwartz & Sandy’s was not made lightly. Financial difficulties, coupled with the impact of negative press following Tom Sandoval’s personal scandal in 2023, created significant challenges for the bar’s sustainability. Reflecting on the process, Schwartz admitted,

"Deciding to close was one of the hardest decisions we’ve made."

The bar, which opened in November 2022, was an exciting opportunity for Schwartz and Sandoval, but they faced difficulties that they didn't have in control. Schwartz acknowledged the realities of running a public-facing business, emphasizing how personal issues can directly affect professional ventures.

"It comes with immense responsibility, and your personal life directly reflects on your business and your partners," he shared.

Despite the challenges, Schwartz expressed pride in what they had achieved. “We put our hearts and souls into this place,” he said, highlighting the joy of seeing people use the bar to celebrate milestones such as engagements, promotions, and honeymoons.

He concluded by saying,

"It was special to know we created jobs and opportunities for people to pursue their dreams."

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Vanderpump Rules star Sandoval discusses future plans after Schwartz & Sandy’s

For Tom Sandoval, the decision to close Schwartz & Sandy’s is a moment of reflection and growth. He described the experience as “an amazing learning experience,” accepting the challenges of understanding financial setbacks and public scrutiny after his personal scandal.

Despite the difficulties, Sandoval expressed gratitude for the lessons gained through the journey. Looking ahead, Sandoval shared his excitement about new opportunities, including his appearance in the upcoming third season of The Traitors.

Meanwhile, Tom Schwartz plans to focus on his podcast project, Detox / Retox, which is set to launch in 2025. Both owners remain optimistic about their respective ventures as they move forward.

Schwartz & Sandy’s will remain open through the holiday season, with events being booked until the end of December. While the closure signals the end of their shared project, Schwartz hinted at future aspirations.

"Maybe I’m a glutton for punishment, but I’d still like to open a little dive bar someday," he said, expressing his passion for the bar industry and his willingness to explore new ideas in the future.

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