From left: Tom Sandoval, Tom Schwartz, Ariana Madix, and Katie Maloney
Still working out New Year’s Eve plans? Consider Ballpark Village’s bash, hosted by St. Louis native and Vanderpump Rules cast member Tom Sandoval, along with three other Pump Rules castmates, Ariana Madix (Sandoval’s girlfriend), Tom Schwartz (Sandoval’s friend and business partner at the Los Angeles bar TomTom), and Katie Maloney (Schwartz’s wife).
Sandoval, who left St. Louis after high school to pursue a career in acting and modeling, has been with the reality show, a binge-worthy, guilty-pleasure story of a group of twenty- and thirtysomethings working through life and love while employed at an L.A. bar, since its inception in 2013. (It’s also produced by Andy Cohen, fellow St. Louisan, on Bravo.) And Sandoval’s one of our favorites. Always seems to rise above the drama, outfits on point, spotted wearing Arch Apparel throughout episodes...we could go on. Below, he tells us about life in St. Louis and some potential future plans here.
What was growing up in St. Louis like for you?
I grew up in the Florissant, Hazelwood [area], and I went to St. Ferdinand Catholic school. After fifth grade, I ended up going to Russell and then I ended up going to Hazelwood West. My brother went on to private school, but I was always just more of a, I don't know, I was always such a rebel. Like my dad got his ear pierced in the ’90s, and I remember I was in fourth grade, and I was like, “Yeah, I want to get my ear pierced.” It's kind of a risqué thing, especially…
In the Midwest.
I remember he got me this gold cross for Christmas and I showed up at school, and we definitely were not allowed to wear earrings, but not only did I wear an earring to school, but I had a dangly cross, because I thought George Michael was the coolest thing growing up. I loved his look. He had his cross earring, so I was like, “I’m going to get a cross earring.” And I wore it to school, and I got in trouble.
Every year, they would have this talent show. We had our school picnic with our parish, and the talent show, which consisted of like, you know, 25 girl acts. And then I got into it. I was like the one guy. I dance and lip synced to “Bust a Move” with a CD around my neck and ended up getting first place.
What are you most excited to do while you’re back home?
We're labeling this trip Toasted Ravioli’s Redemption. Because last time Schwartz came in town, I promised him toasted ravioli, and it ended up not happening. My aunt works for Russo's, and they have these amazing, huge, like handmade toasted ravioli. I’m going to have those waiting as soon as they come into town. Also I want to take them to the City Museum if it’s open.
How’s TomTom, the bar you co-own with Schwartz and restaurateurs Lisa Vanderpump and Ken Todd?
[Jokingly] Oh, it's going horrible. My gosh, nobody comes. No, it's going so well. I look back, and this past, you know, six, seven years the show's been on, and where I was, you know, in the beginning to now...whenever I get down about things, or, you know, we all go through little ups and downs, and I always take a step back and think about life and that perspective. I just can't help but smile and feel good about things. I mean, I've worked hard—and not worked hard—but I've worked hard mainly, and I've always tried to go after things and be passionate. I know Lisa always saw that in me, I’m very passionate about what I do, no matter what I'm doing, and I think it inspired her to want to partner with us. Plus, Schwartz and my dynamic. We’re like the bromance of the decade.
You guys are the cutest.
We always get told that we’re the cutest couple on Vanderpump Rules. I don't know if that's a good thing or bad thing.
I think it’s good. You guys are very beloved.
Listen, we have a lot in common, but in either one of our shortcomings, the other one picks up the slack. We really balance each other out. Together we are a force to be reckoned with, or like a powerhouse.
Obviously, starting my first business with the legendary Lisa Vanderpump and Ken Todd, it’s like a dream come true. I'm very passionate, and I want to express my artistry, but obviously I gotta take a backseat to the pros. ... It's just been a great experience of sitting back, listening, taking it all in, and seeing how it's done.
This season of Vanderpump Rules feels like you’re all growing up.
One thing that's kind of different about the season is that there's not an underlying scandal or whatever, it's sort of everybody kind of coming into their own. And, you know, I guess I really like the fact that they're following us through that journey, because I feel like a lot of shows sort of stay in the same place where they started. With us, you're really getting a chance to see us start at one place in our lives, and then sort of, like, grow into another place.
Very important question: Do you think Andy Cohen is ever going to make a reality show in St. Louis?
I mean, I kind of doubt it, but I don't know. So I want to give that answer where it's like “Hell no, but probably yes.”
I'm definitely very interested in opening up a TomTom in St. Louis. It's got to be in kind of an upscale neighborhood because of the drinks. They're going to be very high-end drinks. Maybe Clayton. Clayton might be a good area for TomTom.
Do you ever think of St. Louis–inspired drinks?
I had a recipe for a Cardinal one. And I have one that was like a gooey butter cake. But the thing is you can't just use something that's like a gooey butter cake. You have to mix the spirits, the liqueurs so that everything comes together to make it taste like a gooey butter cake.
Purchase tickets for Ballpark Village’s NYE Live! Party ($70 to $300, which includes a meet-and-greet with the hosts) here. The party starts at 7 p.m. on December 31.
