TOM Sandoval and Tom Schwartz’s bar Schwartz & Sandy’s has been slammed for turning away fans in an ‘embarrassing’ and ‘rude’ blunder, The U.S. Sun can reveal.
The Vanderpump Rules establishment is set to close in less than two weeks – which patrons insisted was “deserved” after getting “poor” and “unprofessional” treatment over the weekend.
Schwartz & Sandy’s, Sandoval and Schwartz’s passion project bar in Franklin Village, has been advertising a series of parties to celebrate the space before it officially shuts its doors.
Last week, they posted on the bar’s Instagram page asking patrons to “come celebrate the holiday’s with us” with various themed events lined up for the days to come.
Friday specifically advertised a Taylor Swift Night – with the description: “The Queen of Pop turns 35 and we’re here to celebrate with themed drinks, friendship bracelets and spinning the hits all night long.”
Fans flocked from all over Southern California to attend the Bravo meets Swiftie event but were left in shock when they were turned away at the door.
Dozens of fans who came to the bar for Taylor Night – or simply to check out the restaurant before it closes for good – were denied entry due to an unannounced private event, multiple sources confirmed to The U.S. Sun.
There were no notices posted online, or at the restaurant, indicating any private party was taking place.
According to multiple eyewitnesses, fans were getting into heated arguments with Schwartz & Sandy’s staffers who were at the door and hosting stand over the mixup – with some pleading with employees to let them inside however, no one gained entry.
Additionally, the restaurant never apologized to patrons who were turned away or offered any incentive to make it right – leaving those who made the long trek livid.
“I drove almost 4 hours to come here just to get turned away at the door,” one Vanderpump Rules fan told The U.S. Sun.
“Can’t say I’m surprised the Tom’s royally messed up – no where does it say there is a private event. Can’t believe this honestly my friend and I drove so far.
“They don’t seem to care about their fans which is sad because I don’t think they have that many fans left.
“I was excited to support their last weekend open and they s**t on the people trying to support them. Yeah we’re really mad it’s not even funny,” she added.
Tom Schwartz shades Jax Taylor’s show as he asks VPR fans at his ‘packed’ restaurant ‘The Valley or music?’
Another person had a similar experience, raging: “We came all this way from Orange County to come tonight so we can come here once before it closed.
“No f**king wonder this place is closing, how unprofessional! What business advertises something and doesn’t pull through?
“It seems very on-brand for Tom and Tom to make promises they can’t keep. We’re all fans of the show but this is really messed up and unprofessional.
“No wonder their bar is closing, rightfully so.”
‘HUGE WASTE OF TIME’
A third person who is Los Angeles-based didn’t have to drive quite as far, but admitted she was “really annoyed” too.
She added: ”They wasted all of our time and the staff were so rude about it.
“Even as of now, I’m on their IG page and there’s nothing about a private event, how embarrassing for them.”
The night wasn’t a total waste, as many of the denied patrons decided to head over to Jax’s bar in Studio City – former co-star Jax Taylor’s business about 15 mins away.
Earlier this month, Tom Schwartz, 42, and Tom Sandoval, 42, announced that they were officially closing up shop after business had dramatically slowed down in recent months.
Though their businesses’ struggles have been well documented, 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.
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
“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.
“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.
The establishment will close its doors for good by the “end of the year” however, an official finale date has not yet been revealed.
