Vanderpump Rules alum Jax Taylor was stunned to learn just how much money Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz had sunk into their Schwartz & Sandy’s Lounge prior to their official opening.
“He borrowed his mom’s retirement money?!” Jax exclaimed while viewing the most recent episode of Pump Rules. “I can’t believe he borrowed $250,000 of his mom’s retirement. Dude — and against your house? Jesus, do you think before you do things?”Us Weekly has the story.
Jax and his wife Brittany Cartwright scored a three-episode deal with Peacock to host Vanderpump Rules Watch With, which began streaming on April 13, 2023. I’m glad to see they’re still married and seem happy together. We even got a glimpse of their son Cruz last week, when he escaped his babysitter and wandered into the room. Who knew Jax and Brit would end up the most stable couple in the group?
During the VPR episode, Sandoval was frustrated by all the roadblocks preventing their second bar opening. “Either we open or we are f—ked,” Tom yelled at the bar’s general manager Brett Bakman. “If we have to serve f—king goddamn potato chips out of [the kitchen], we do it. Otherwise, we lose this place.”
After multiple delays and setbacks, Schwartz and Sandy’s finally opened in November 2022, months beyond their original target date. That’s what happens when two goofballs who can’t focus on a project and don’t really know what they’re doing decide they don’t need Lisa Vanderpump’s experience. After all, Lisa and her husband Ken Todd have only opened 36 restaurants in their long career. What do they know?
It’s been previously reported that Sandoval and his pornstache borrowed money from his family, as well as mortgaged his and now ex-girlfriend Ariana Madix’s home, to fund the new bar. How come nobody ever talks about how much money Schwartz has invested? I know he borrowed from his family, but did he have to mortgage his and his ex-wife Katie Maloney’s house, too?
Jax questioned what effect Sandoval’s financial decisions would have on his life going forward. “You’re 40-something years old and going to be left with nothing,” the Michigan native commented. “I’m so glad I’m not single and like that.”
Even though Schwartz and Sandy’s eventually opened, business has been tough in recent weeks amid all the Scandoval. After news of the affair between Sandoval and Rachel Raquel Leviss became public in early March, angry fans flooded Yelp with negative reviews of the bar, in addition to Schwartz and Sandoval’s other establishment TomTom. Even though Sandy himself begged the public not to misdirect their anger with him at his employees and investors, the backlash continued.
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A statement posted to the bar’s Instagram account on March 4, 2023, read, “In light of the recent news we appreciate the many words of support, but we also understand the outpouring of outrage that has been directed towards our businesses. However, those of us who are not famous have dedicated our time hearts, and money to make this restaurant a reality.”
“Ariana has always been a good friend and a great supporter of the restaurant,” the post continued. “We appreciate that you may feel a certain way but please understand that the livelihoods of others also depend on this business. There are four more people involved in this venture other than just Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz.”
All well and good, but it wasn’t until a week later that Sandoval even got around to apologizing to Ariana, his girlfriend of nine years. Just goes to show where his priorities were. Ariana’s better off without him.
Meanwhile, Schwartz acknowledged the effect Scandoval has had on their business. “It’s f–king complicated,” he admitted. “I think Tom’s OK. Really, I’m just sad about the negative impact it’s having on our business.”
One month later, Schwartz massively misgauged public opinion by requesting empathy for Sandoval. He begged fans who ran into Sandy on the street to “give him a hug.”
“First of all, Ariana, love you,” Schwartzy said on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. “I know you don’t love me right now, but I still love you. And also, Tom, I know the whole world hates you. But I’m not going to abandon you, old buddy. I’m not going to abandon you.”
“[Sandoval] knows he’s a monster for what he did,” Schwartz continued. “[But] if you see him, maybe give him a hug. Even if he doesn’t deserve it, give him a hug. He’s down bad.”
VPR co-star Lala Kent, for one, wasn’t having any of that. She posted on her Instagram that she would “Atomic wedgie . . . his ass” and relish “punching him straight in the d–k.” Tell us how you really feel, Lala.
TELL US – WERE YOU SHOCKED BY THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THE TWO TOMS INVESTED IN THEIR NEW BAR? DO YOU THINK IT’S OKAY FOR FANS TO BOYCOTT AND BASH SCHWARTZ AND SANDY’S BECAUSE OF SANDOVAL’S AFFAIR WITH RACHEL RAQUEL?
[Photo Credit: Ralph Bavaro/Bravo]
