Tom Sandoval 101

Tom Sandoval is an American reality TV personality, actor, bartender, restaurateur, and musician best known for his long-running role on Bravo's Vanderpump Rules.

Here's a quick snapshot of who he is:

From slinging cocktails at Lisa Vanderpump's SUR restaurant to co-owning his own bars and performing on national competition shows, Sandoval has built a surprisingly layered career — one that goes well beyond the drama that made him a household name.

He appeared in over 220 episodes of Vanderpump Rules, invested $50,000 to co-found TomTom restaurant, co-authored a cocktail book, and fronts a touring cover band. Love him or not, his footprint on the LA bar and dining scene is real.

This guide covers everything — his background, businesses, relationships, scandals, and what he's been up to lately.

Simple guide to tom sandoval:

Before he was a fixture of West Hollywood nightlife, Tom Sandoval grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. His journey to Los Angeles followed a path familiar to many in our city’s creative community: a mix of modeling, acting, and the ubiquitous "service industry" hustle. According to his IMDb professional profile, he was discovered by a filmmaker through his dermatologist in St. Louis, which led to his first talent agency signing.

Sandoval spent 15 years modeling in major markets like Chicago, New York, Miami, and eventually Los Angeles. This era of his life even included some early brushes with rock royalty; he famously appeared as an uncredited character named "Jack" in Bon Jovi music videos back in 2002 and 2003.

However, it was his arrival at Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurants that changed everything. Long before the cameras started rolling for Vanderpump Rules, Sandoval was a bartender at Villa Blanca and later SUR (Sexy Unique Restaurant). When the show premiered in 2013, he was cast as one of the original main members. Over the course of 220 episodes (per IMDb), we watched him evolve from a flair-tending bartender into a full-fledged entrepreneur.

In Los Angeles, the transition from "bartender" to "bar owner" is a dream for many, and Tom Sandoval managed to make it a reality—with a lot of help from reality TV. His business ventures have been a central plot point on Vanderpump Rules, showcasing the highs and lows of the LA hospitality industry.

His most successful venture to date is TomTom, a "faux-steampunk" bar located in the heart of West Hollywood. Launched in 2018 in partnership with Lisa Vanderpump, Ken Todd, and his best friend Tom Schwartz, the bar has become a destination for fans and locals alike. Sandoval and Schwartz each invested $50,000 for a 5% stake in the business, a move that solidified their transition from employees to partners.

Following the success of TomTom, the duo branched out on their own to open Schwartz & Sandy's in 2022. Located in the Franklin Village area, this spot was designed to have a more eclectic, "funky" vibe. While the opening was fraught with delays and drama (much of which was documented on TV), it remains a significant part of Sandoval's professional portfolio.

Long before the "Scandoval" made him a villain in the eyes of many, Tom Sandoval was respected for his genuine passion for mixology. He took his craft seriously, often obsessing over ice quality and unique garnishes on screen. This passion culminated in the release of Fancy AF Cocktails: Drink Recipes from a Couple of Professional Drinkers.

Co-authored with his then-partner Ariana Madix, the book was a hit among fans. However, the road to publication wasn't without its hurdles. The project was initially stalled by internal drama between the couple, and later, they faced a legal challenge from an author who claimed they breached a contract. Fortunately, the lawsuit was settled in May 2022, allowing the official cocktail book details to remain a positive part of his professional legacy.

If there is one thing we know about Tom Sandoval, it’s that he loves to be "extra." This personality trait is the driving force behind his musical project, Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras. The group is an 8-piece cover band that tours the country, performing high-energy versions of popular hits.

While critics and some of his co-stars have poked fun at the venture, Sandoval has invested significant time and money into the band’s production, including costumes, light shows, and even pyrotechnics. For Sandoval, the band is a creative outlet that allows him to lean into his theatrical side, proving that he isn't afraid to take risks—even if they come with a side of public scrutiny.

The personal life of Tom Sandoval has been a matter of public record for over a decade. When Vanderpump Rules began, he was in a volatile relationship with Kristen Doute. Their breakup was a major storyline in the early seasons, leading to Sandoval’s next long-term romance.

Sandoval and Ariana Madix began dating in early 2014. For nine years, they were considered the "stable" couple of the group. They bought a home together in Valley Village and built a brand as a unit. However, everything came crashing down in March 2023 when news broke of an affair that would change the landscape of reality TV forever.

The "Scandoval" refers to the revelation that Tom Sandoval had been having a months-long secret affair with co-star Rachel (formerly Raquel) Leviss while still living with and dating Ariana Madix. The news broke just as Season 10 was finishing its run, leading producers to pick up cameras and film an additional "finale" episode to capture the immediate fallout.

The details on the Scandoval fallout were staggering. The scandal resulted in a massive media frenzy, with the New York Times and even the White House Correspondents' Dinner referencing the drama. The backlash against Sandoval was swift and severe, affecting his businesses and his reputation. Since the split, Sandoval has attempted to move on, recently sharing updates about his relationship with model Victoria Lee Robinson, though the shadow of the scandal remains a primary topic of conversation in any Ariana Madix relationship timeline.

In the wake of the scandal, Tom Sandoval has leaned into his "villain" era by appearing on several high-profile competition shows. It seems his strategy has been to stay in the public eye, even if the reception is chilly.

Tom Sandoval celebrates his birthday on July 7, but his exact age has been a point of hilarious contention on Vanderpump Rules. For a long time, it was believed he was born in 1983. However, during Season 10, it was "revealed" via some on-screen fact-checking that he might actually have been born in 1982, making him a year older than he previously claimed. This led to his friends presenting him with a cake that read "Happy 40th Birthday, AGAIN." Regardless of the specific year, his St. Louis roots remain a core part of his identity.

While Tom lives a flashy life in LA, his family remains in the Midwest. His parents are Anthony Sandoval and Terri Green. His mother, Terri, is a retired firefighter who was a trailblazer in her field. In a 2015 Instagram post about his mother, Tom shared that she was the first woman to be named "Firefighter of the Year" in St. Louis County back in 1997. He also has a brother named Brian Sandoval.

According to his official stats, Tom Sandoval is 5 feet 11 inches tall. However, this has also been a topic of debate among the Vanderpump Rules cast. During an episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, it was jokingly revealed that Tom often wears heel inserts in his shoes to give himself a bit of extra height—a fact that his best friend Tom Schwartz confirmed on air.

Whether you view him as a cautionary tale or a resilient entrepreneur, there is no denying that Tom Sandoval is a central figure in the modern Los Angeles landscape. From the bars of West Hollywood to the stages of national television, he has navigated a career defined by high-stakes drama and a relentless drive to be "extra."

At Edible LA, we are always interested in the stories behind the people who shape our local food and drink culture. While the headlines often focus on the scandals, Sandoval's involvement in TomTom and Schwartz & Sandy's reminds us of the vibrant, often chaotic nature of the LA hospitality scene. As the seasons change and the drama evolves, we’ll continue to keep an eye on how these local establishments—and the personalities behind them—contribute to the flavor of our city.

For more on what’s happening in LA food and culture, check out our seasonal produce guide.