Tom also revealed if he’d ever consider opening another bar during The Valley Season 2 After Show.
A lot has changed since Jax Taylor and Tom Schwartz talked about the status of Tom’s bar with Tom Sandoval during the Season 2 premiere of The Valley, including the bar itself: Schwartz and Sandy’s closed its doors on Dec. 21, 2024, about two years after it opened.
“Honestly, I think I’m still processing everything that happened,” Tom said of his current state of mind during The Valley Season 2 After Show.
Tom went on to share with Jax and Jesse Lally the very real financial strain he experienced while the bar was open.
“I’m at least proud to say that I can walk away knowing that I put everything I had into that place,” he said. “Almost all of my money. Lord knows I over-leveraged myself. I feel like we really never were fully accepted or embraced by the neighborhood, but I’m f—king proud of that place.”
How does Tom Schwartz feel about Schwartz and Sandy's closing?
Jax pointed out how he much he admired Tom’s commitment to Schwartz and Sandy’s.
“Every time that I was there, man, you were all in,” Jax said on the After Show. “You were helping people. You were behind the bar. You were always busting ass. You were there all the time. You were so good to your employees. Everybody loves you there. I think you spent more time there than you did your house.”
Jesse added jokingly, “You were the best bartender I ever had. But I’m also scotch with a single rock so it’s not that difficult.”
The Toms opening their bar was a huge career move that was featured on Vanderpump Rules. Their fellow former SUR-vers were on hand to support the duo during a grand opening party in July 2022. But Schwartz’s ex-wife, Katie Maloney, was very open during Season 10 about how the bar impacted their marriage, saying, “It put a massive strain on our relationship.”
Schwartz said on the After Show he now has “closure.”
“I have a newfound sense of peace that I haven’t felt in a long time,” he explained. “It was like perpetual, constant anxiety — when you’re hemorrhaging money. And you know that this place with your name on the side of the building is not doing as well. Your employees are suffering now. They can’t pay their bills. It’s just a lot.”
Schwartz also reflected on how he’s changed since opening the bar.
“I think I was too soft before that bar. If anything, now I feel like I have so much more life experience. I have more grit,” he said, then added, “I feel like I have just a newfound respect and appreciation for life. I just feel like I’m growing in so many ways. I don’t know if it shows through my actions, but I can feel it.”
Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval attend DailyMail.com and TMX opening celebration of Schwartz & Sandy's on July 19, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
Does Tom Schwartz want to open another bar?
Jesse asked Tom Schwartz if he wants to open another bar, and the answer was a resounding no.
“I would never put my name on the side of a bar again,” Tom declared.
Jax, who runs Jax’s Studio City with three business partners, agreed.
“Even now, even having a bar with my name on it, I wish I would have never put my name on the side,” he said on the After Show.
Tom also added that he would never sign a lease again, and admitted the one for his beloved bar was $25,000. But despite the struggles, his heart still lies with Schwartz and Sandy’s.
“For better or worse I do love being in the bar/restaurant industry. I miss the sense of community that I developed in there,” he said.
Tom Schwartz attends the 2025 LA Art Show Opening Night Premiere Party hosted by Jenna Dewan at Los Angeles Convention Center on February 19, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Emma McIntyre/WireImage
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