Tom Schwartz

Tom Schwartz
Birthplace	Woodbury, Minnesota, United States
Nationality	American
Occupation	Television personality, restaurateur
Known for	Vanderpump Rules, The Valley, TomTom, Schwartz & Sandy's
Spouse(s)	Katie Maloney (m. 2016; div. 2022)

Tom Schwartz is an American television personality and restaurateur who first gained public attention as a cast member on the Bravo reality television series Vanderpump Rules, which premiered in 2013. Over the course of the show's run, Schwartz became one of its central figures, known for his affable demeanor and his on-screen relationship with Katie Maloney, whom he married during the series. Beyond television, Schwartz ventured into the restaurant and bar business as a co-owner of TomTom, a West Hollywood cocktail bar opened in partnership with Tom Sandoval and restaurateur Lisa Vanderpump, and later Schwartz & Sandy's, a second bar venture with Sandoval. Following the conclusion of Vanderpump Rules in its original format, Schwartz joined the cast of the Bravo spinoff series The Valley as a series regular beginning with its third season in 2026. His career has straddled the intersection of reality television celebrity and hospitality entrepreneurship, making him a recurring figure in Bravo's programming universe for over a decade.

Early Life

Tom Schwartz was born and raised in Woodbury, Minnesota, a suburb of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. He grew up in a large family alongside several brothers. His upbringing in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul region shaped his early years, and he has spoken publicly about his family and Minnesota roots on multiple occasions throughout his television career.

Schwartz eventually relocated to Los Angeles, California, where he pursued opportunities in modeling and acting before becoming involved with the restaurant and bar scene in West Hollywood. It was in Los Angeles that he became part of the social circle surrounding SUR Restaurant, the establishment owned by Lisa Vanderpump that would serve as the backdrop for Vanderpump Rules.

Schwartz's family background, particularly his relationships with his brothers, has been a subject of discussion on Vanderpump Rules and in media profiles. His brothers have appeared on the show and been referenced in interviews over the years, providing viewers with glimpses into his personal life beyond the West Hollywood social scene.

Career

Vanderpump Rules (2013–2024)

Tom Schwartz rose to prominence as a cast member on Vanderpump Rules, the Bravo reality television series that debuted in January 2013 as a spinoff of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. The show centered on the lives and interpersonal dynamics of staff and associates of SUR Restaurant, owned by Lisa Vanderpump, in West Hollywood, California. Schwartz was featured on the show from its early seasons and became one of its most recognizable cast members.

On the series, Schwartz's storylines frequently revolved around his romantic relationship and eventual marriage to Katie Maloney, a fellow cast member. Their relationship, including its conflicts and milestones, served as a major narrative thread across multiple seasons. The couple's wedding was featured on the show, and their subsequent marital difficulties and ultimate divorce were also documented on camera, providing some of the series' most discussed storylines.

Schwartz was also prominently featured alongside his close friend and business partner Tom Sandoval. The two, often referred to collectively as "the Toms," became a central duo on the series, and their friendship and professional endeavors were explored extensively. Their dynamic would prove to be one of the show's enduring elements, surviving even amid significant controversy involving Sandoval that engulfed the series in its later seasons.

The show underwent significant upheaval in its later seasons, particularly following the "Scandoval" controversy involving Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss, which became a major pop-culture moment and drew unprecedented attention to the series. While Schwartz was not at the center of the scandal, his proximity to Sandoval and the fallout affected his own storylines and public perception. Schwartz's appearance on the second season premiere of The Valley brought scrutiny, with commentary noting that he was on "the wrong side of history" regarding the controversy.

Following the conclusion of the original run of Vanderpump Rules, Bravo announced a reboot of the series with a new cast. Schwartz reflected publicly on the end of the show's original iteration and the transition to a new chapter.

TomTom

One of the most significant professional developments of Schwartz's career was his involvement in TomTom, a cocktail bar and restaurant in West Hollywood, California. The establishment was a collaborative venture between Schwartz, Tom Sandoval, and Lisa Vanderpump, along with Vanderpump's husband Ken Todd. The opening and development of TomTom was a major storyline on Vanderpump Rules and represented Schwartz's first major foray into the restaurant and bar industry.

TomTom opened in August 2018 on North Robertson Boulevard in West Hollywood. The bar's concept and opening were chronicled extensively on Vanderpump Rules, with the development process — from negotiation to construction to launch — spanning multiple episodes and seasons. The bar became a popular destination, drawing both fans of the show and the broader West Hollywood nightlife crowd. The involvement of Lisa Vanderpump, already an established restaurateur with SUR, PUMP, and other venues, lent the project significant industry credibility and resources.

The timeline of TomTom's development was documented in detail by media outlets. The negotiations between the Toms and Vanderpump over ownership stakes, responsibilities, and creative direction provided material for both the television show and tabloid coverage. The establishment represented a milestone for Schwartz, who had not previously operated a business of that scale.

As of early 2026, Schwartz and Sandoval have continued to provide updates on TomTom's status. Sandoval discussed financial aspects of the bar, including the status of investments, in interviews.

Schwartz & Sandy's

Following the success of TomTom, Schwartz and Tom Sandoval opened a second bar venture, Schwartz & Sandy's, in the Los Angeles area. Unlike TomTom, which was a partnership with Lisa Vanderpump, Schwartz & Sandy's was primarily a venture between the two Toms, representing a step toward independent business ownership for both men. The bar's opening and operations were featured on Vanderpump Rules and generated media coverage.

However, Schwartz & Sandy's ultimately closed its doors in November 2024. The closure was reported by multiple outlets and came amid a period of transition for both Schwartz and Sandoval as Vanderpump Rules ended its original run. Eater LA reported on the closing, noting its place within the broader landscape of celebrity-affiliated establishments in Los Angeles.

Schwartz reflected on the closure of Schwartz & Sandy's in interviews, discussing the experience alongside his thoughts on the Vanderpump Rules reboot. In an interview with People, he spoke about the end of the bar and the broader transitions in his professional life, framing the closure as part of a new phase rather than a definitive ending.

The financial aspects of Schwartz & Sandy's also drew attention. In a March 2026 interview, Tom Sandoval discussed whether he had repaid his mother for her investment in the bar and provided updates on the financial status of both Schwartz & Sandy's and TomTom.

The Valley (2026–present)

In February 2026, it was announced that Schwartz would join the cast of The Valley as a series regular for its third season. The Valley is a Bravo reality series that serves as a spinoff of Vanderpump Rules, following former cast members and their lives in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles. Schwartz joined the show alongside Lala Kent, another former Vanderpump Rules cast member, as new additions to the ensemble.

Deadline reported on the first look at the new season, featuring both Schwartz and Kent as series regulars. The addition represented a continuation of Schwartz's relationship with Bravo and the broader Vanderpump Rules franchise.

Schwartz described joining The Valley as a "rebirth" of sorts, expressing enthusiasm about the new opportunity. In interviews, he spoke about looking forward to a fresh start on the Bravo network after the conclusion of Vanderpump Rules in its original format.

Schwartz had previously appeared on The Valley in a guest capacity during its second season, an appearance that drew commentary and scrutiny from viewers and critics. Screen Rant noted that his appearance on the Season 2 premiere placed him in a difficult position, with the publication writing that he was on "the wrong side of history" in the context of the Scandoval controversy and its aftermath.

Personal Life

Tom Schwartz's personal life has been extensively documented through his appearances on Vanderpump Rules and in media coverage. His relationship with Katie Maloney was one of the central storylines of the series. The couple married in 2016, with their wedding featured on the show. However, the marriage faced public difficulties, and the couple ultimately divorced in 2022. Both the marriage and the divorce played out in the public eye, with their personal developments serving as significant plot points across multiple seasons of Vanderpump Rules.

Following his divorce from Maloney, Schwartz's dating life has continued to attract media attention. As of early 2026, Schwartz is in a relationship with Kiana Carroll, a model. The couple has been featured in multiple Bravo-affiliated media reports, with Schwartz sharing photos and updates about the relationship through various channels. In January 2026, Schwartz shared a photo described as offering a "snuggly new look" at his life with Carroll. By February 2026, additional updates on the relationship were published, with Bravo reporting on the couple's status. In March 2026, Schwartz shared a "romantic new look" at his relationship with Carroll.

Schwartz maintains a close friendship with Tom Sandoval, his longtime friend and business partner. Despite the controversies that affected Sandoval's public image, the two have remained close, with media reports as recently as February 2026 documenting their continued friendship. In March 2026, both Schwartz and Sandoval shared updates about their mutual friend Jax Taylor, another former Vanderpump Rules cast member, offering insights into Taylor's life.

Schwartz is originally from Woodbury, Minnesota, and has maintained connections to his home state even while based in Los Angeles.

Recognition

Schwartz's recognition has come primarily through his role on Vanderpump Rules, which became one of Bravo's most-discussed and culturally impactful reality series during its run. The show generated significant media coverage and social media engagement, particularly during its later seasons when the Scandoval controversy brought unprecedented attention to the cast. As a longtime member of the ensemble, Schwartz was a consistent presence in the show's media coverage and public discourse.

His business ventures, particularly TomTom, also brought a form of recognition within the Los Angeles hospitality industry. The opening of TomTom in 2018 was covered by outlets including Eater LA and The Cut, with the bar's connection to both reality television and Lisa Vanderpump's established restaurant empire making it a notable addition to the West Hollywood dining and nightlife scene.

Schwartz's addition to The Valley for its third season in 2026 was covered by entertainment industry outlets including Deadline, reflecting his continued relevance within the Bravo programming ecosystem. His description of the move as a "rebirth" was picked up by Yahoo Entertainment and other outlets, indicating sustained public and media interest in his career trajectory.

He has also been profiled by regional media, including MSP Magazine, which covered his Minnesota roots and career path, reflecting interest in his background beyond the Los Angeles entertainment and restaurant scene.