From bartender and model to restaurateur and podcaster, Tom Schwartz has held many distinct job titles over the past 12 years. And while it’s clear he isn’t afraid to make an unexpected career pivot, the Vanderpump Rules alum recently revealed the “creative” occupation he’s always wanted to try but has yet to fully pursue.
“Well, I’ve kind of tried it, I dabble,” he said during the May 19 episode of Michelle Saniei’s Pursuit of Sassiness podcast. “There’s part of me — I don’t know if I’ve ever said this publicly — that wants to be an artist. Will I ever pursue painting as a career? Do I have any talent? Not really. But you know what the definition of an artist is? ‘Hey, I could do that.’ ‘Yeah, but you didn’t.’ It’s just you’ve got to start. And I love painting… We should’ve done a sip and paint for this episode.”
Tom Schwartz looks back at his time as “a bedroom DJ”
Michelle said she could relate to Tom’s artistic interests and shared her years-long desire to become a classical pianist just like her mother. The Valley cast member said she tried learning the instrument during the pandemic but was too preoccupied with her now-5-year-old daughter, Isabella.
After expressing admiration for trained musicians, Tom looked back at his short stint as an amateur DJ.
“I’m not musically inclined, but I did, during the pandemic, I became a DJ — a bedroom DJ,” he said. “And I love DJing… I’m OK. I was getting to the point where I was confident enough to DJ at TomTom.”
The Minnesota native said his DJ name was “DJ I’m Sorry,” because he was always apologizing for clumsy transitions.
“I mean, I still like it. I have, like, three decks, but I don’t know,” he said about his DJ equipment. “I see my boys out there and they’re crushing it, and they make a lot of money, but you guys are gone every weekend… up all night. A lot of times, your set doesn’t start till 1 or 2 a.m. I think I would be a great daytime pool DJ.”
Tom Schwartz reflects on the now-shuttered Schwartz & Sandy’s
Elsewhere in the episode, Tom spoke about his experience working in hospitality and the challenges of owning a restaurant/bar. In December 2024, he and his former castmate Tom Sandoval announced they were closing Schwartz & Sandy’s, the Franklin Village lounge they launched in 2022.
“I’ve had a really lovely life, I think up until Schwartz & Sandy’s, which was my first real, real hard life lesson, life challenge,” he said. “It almost broke me spiritually, mentally. I almost went broke financially. I lost so much money. But I think I needed it, in a twisted way. I think it made me into the person I am now. I just feel like I have so much more grit.”
Tom said he poured so much time and energy into building the business, only to see it sink “like the Titanic.”
“I think I still have more good memories than bad. Is that revisionist history? Maybe it is,” he said. “It was such an underrated spot. I can say that objectively. I know I’m close to it, but, objectively, it was such a cool spot… just very expensive.”
Tom Schwartz warns aspiring restaurateurs: “Don’t do it”
When asked if he had any advice for those looking to open a restaurant, Tom told listeners: “Don’t do it,” especially if they’re trying to launch a spot in California.
“Honestly, I know this is not realistic for everyone, but if you can own your property and lease it out to yourself, that’s the dream: You own the building, lease it to yourself,” he said. “And, you guys, for the love of God, don’t put your name on the side [of the building] unless you want to be there your every waking moment…I don’t want to be that. I don’t want to eat, sleep, breathe a bar or restaurant ever again.”
While Schwartz & Sandy’s is no more, Tom is still involved with TomTom, the WeHo bar/restaurant he co-owns with Tom Sandoval and Lisa Vanderpump. Find out what he’s been up to at the business.
