Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz announce closure of their LA bar Schwartz & Sandy's, fuel trolls online

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Vanderpump Rules' stars Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz announced the closure of their bar Schwartz & Sandy’s in Los Angeles on Monday, November 25, in separate posts on the social media platform Instagram.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the bar has been operational for two years and featured on the Bravo reality series. It was the second business venture by the pair, who also co-founded TomTom Restaurant and Bar in West Hollywood with fellow co-star and series co-creator Lisa Vanderpump.

Schwartz & Sandy’s are set to permanently close their doors by the end of December. The final day of operation is yet to be announced.

Why is Schwartz & Sandy's going out of business?

The owners cited troubling finances and the cheating scandal involving Tom Sandoval as the primary reasons for the business to fold.

Months after the business was opened, Sandoval was reported to have cheated on his longtime girlfriend, Ariana Madix, with castmate Rachel Leviss. The story made headlines and was popularly known as "Scandoval."

The venture also reportedly contributed to the breakdown of Schwartz's marriage to Katie Maloney, who blamed the bar after they spent $1 million on the place even before opening the doors. According to Buzzfeed, Sandoval had to borrow $250,000 from his mother as well to keep the place running.

"Deciding to close was one of the hardest decisions we’ve made,” Schwartz wrote on Instagram. “We agonized over it for quite some time because we truly believe it’s a great bar, still ripe with potential. 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.”

“It’s already a tough business, and the damage from relentless negative press over the last year made it even harder. It was difficult not to feel resentful and bitter, but eventually, we had to let it go — no more replaying what went wrong," he added.

His partner Sandoval further elaborated on their decision, stating, "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 did note that the place would continue to host events until it was open, stating, "The allure of being associated with reality TV has hidden what is an amazing spot and location for L.A. locals. I highly recommend you check us out, especially if you haven’t yet. Let’s get together one last time.”

Internet trolls Schwartz & Sandy's closure announcement

The social media platform X was flooded with jokes after Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz made their announcement on Monday. The following tweets demonstrate the prevalent takes.

"Ariana and Katie finding out Schwartz and Sandy’s is closing #PumpRules" shared a user with a gif.

"Don’t text I’m busy analyzing the difference in Sandoval and Schwartz’s posts about Schwartz and Sandy’s closing," quipped another.

"If they can’t get Vanderpump Rules cameras up in time to see Ariana and Katie reacting to the news that Schwartz & Sandy’s is closing, what’s the point," jibed one user.

"I bet Schwartz will keep defending Sandoval despite having no financial reason to anymore. Also, RIP to his mom's pension," chided a user.

"Glad I got the chance to experience Schwartz & Sandy’s and talk shit about Tom Schwartz w the bartender before they closed," stated one user.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.