What happened to Schwartz and Sandy's is a story marked by financial struggles, public scandals, and reflected ambitions for the future. The Los Angeles bar, co-owned by Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval, became a casualty of post-COVID economic challenges and a scandal involving Sandoval that marred its reputation. Despite these setbacks, both proprietors remain optimistic, with Schwartz planning new ventures such as a project with Podcast One, while also contemplating another foray into the bar scene.
| Key Factors | Impact | Future Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Challenges | Contributed to closure | Schwartz looking towards future projects |
| Scandal & Negative Press | Deterred patrons and affected reputation | Learning experience for managing public image |
| Post-COVID Business Climate | Slimmer margins and tougher recovery | Opportunity to innovate and adapt strategies |
The closure of Schwartz & Sandy’s is a classic tale of a business unable to weather the financial storms of its time. The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the hospitality industry, leaving many businesses struggling with slimmer profit margins and increased operational costs. And as a bar that opened in the tumultuous aftermath of the pandemic, Schwartz & Sandy’s faced the tough reality of trying to thrive when public spending habits had shifted significantly. In addition to these external challenges, the bar’s financial stability was undermined by internal pressures, most notably when the reputation of one of its co-owners took a massive hit due to a highly-publicized scandal. The very essence that the bar was built on—the personalities and reputations of its owners—became a double-edged sword.
The term "Scandoval" became synonymous with the controversy surrounding Tom Sandoval, whose affair with a fellow reality TV cast member became public fodder, shattering both personal and professional fronts. The scandal cast a long shadow over Schwartz & Sandy’s, causing a severe backlash and deterring potential patrons who associated the establishment with the negative publicity. While some might argue that any press is good press, in this case, the reality was quite the opposite. The boycott sparked by the scandal aligned with mounting financial challenges to create an insurmountable obstacle for the bar.
For Schwartz and Sandoval, the journey of running Schwartz & Sandy’s transcended beyond being just a business venture. It was a storyline of learning, growth, and reflection. The stakes were personalized with their names tied to the venture—a move that carried its weight of risks and expectations. Recognizing "rookie mistakes" along the way, the duo appreciated the rollercoaster ride this journey offered, including the support and camaraderie of loyal patrons who stood by them even when winds turned adversarial.
Despite the closure, Tom Schwartz is steering forward with a fresh outlook and promising ventures. Schwartz has already announced an exciting project with Podcast One—Detox / Retox—expected to kick off in 2025. Alongside this venture, there is a desire to delve into media production, with aspirations of getting behind the camera to create new narratives. Meanwhile, Tom Sandoval remains enthusiastic about appearing in future television projects such as "The Traitors" and continues to seek opportunities that rejuvenate his professional life. The idea of opening another bar also lingers as a potential comeback into the hospitality field.
The closing chapters of Schwartz & Sandy’s mark not just an end but a prelude to new beginnings. It’s a testament to resilience in the face of adversity and the fearless reimagining of oneself after a fall.
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Building on the narrative of financial and public challenges faced by Schwartz and Sandy's, E! News details the recent closure of the Los Angeles establishment, as announced by co-owners Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval.
Schwartz and Sandy’s is officially listed as closed as of the latest April 2025 update on Yelp. Once a buzzing lounge at 1917 N Bronson Ave in Los Angeles, it collected over 200 photos and nearly 200 reviews. Fans of Vanderpump Rules and local nightlife alike have been left wondering if this once-popular spot could see a second act in the future.
Financial troubles played a major role in the closure, according to Tom Schwartz. On November 26, 2024, he revealed, “Deciding to close was one of the hardest decisions we’ve made. We agonized over it for quite some time because we truly believe it’s a great bar, still ripe with potential.” Despite holding onto hope for longevity, the mounting pressures ultimately led them to shut their doors.
Vanderpump Rules star Katie Maloney weighed in on what might come next for her ex-husband Tom Schwartz, who co-owned the bar and restaurant with fellow castmate Tom Sandoval. After two years of operation—and with plenty of buzz from fans of the show—both Toms confirmed they would be closing Schwartz and Sandy’s. Many are now keeping a close eye on whether the duo will team up again or pursue separate ventures in the Los Angeles bar scene.
Despite the challenges that Schwartz and Sandy's faced, their story serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience required to navigate the tumultuous hospitality industry. The combination of financial setbacks and public scrutiny ultimately proved too much for the beloved Los Angeles bar to withstand, marking the end of an era for both the owners and their patrons.
Although Schwartz and Sandy's may no longer be around, the legacy they've left behind continues to inspire many. If you enjoyed this deep dive and want to stay updated with similar stories and behind-the-scenes insights, don't hesitate to follow us on Instagram. We'd love to have you as part of our community!
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