LISA Vanderpump has expressed concerns about Ariana Madix and Katie Maloney’s sandwich shop opening delay, The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal.
The Vanderpump Rules stars’ business, Something About Her, has faced a slew of issues with the city these past few months that have made it difficult for Ariana, 38, and Katie, 36, to open.
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The U.S. Sun previously reported that the sandwich shop’s opening date has been “put on hold” following another anticipated date being pushed back yet again.
Apart from fans being left in the dark, The U.S. Sun has learned that VPR executive producer and star Lisa Vanderpump has also been left “in the dark.”
An insider spilled: “Lisa has recently expressed concern about the progress of the shop and when it’s expected to open.
“She had a lot of questions about what was going on and was seeking answers from those who could provide more insight.”
The insider went on to say that even though Lisa’s name isn’t attached to Something About Her – she’s not an investor – she still was concerned as a mentor to Ariana and Katie, and, of course, as a producer for the show.
The insider added that she brought up the conversation about the sandwich shop after The U.S. Sun ran multiple stories about the business since she appeared to feel just as “in the dark” as Bravo fans.
“Lisa has been doing a hands-off approach and letting Ariana and Katie run the show when it comes to the shop.
“Quite frankly, it appears she only steps in when it comes to filming at the shop or having a conversation about the shop for the show,” the insider revealed.
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The U.S. Sun has reached out to Bravo for comment.
‘PART OF A STORYLINE’
As teased in the season 11 trailer, Lisa is seen filming inside Something About Her with the two owners.
Sitting in front of unwrapped pillows for the couches and the yellow and white awning that appeared to be taken down at the time, she demanded to know when the shop would be opening.
A source previously told The U.S. Sun that the cast filmed scenes that were set up for the show at the cafe to “continue a storyline.”
“The drama for next season is wild, but what’s even more shocking are all the issues Something About Her has been dealing with,” a source told The U.S. Sun.
“Everything about what’s going on with the store is going to unfold this season and give fans the answers they’ve been seeking.”
The source continued, “Ariana and Katie made it seem like they knew what they were getting into when it came to opening a shop, but the reality is, they are not business people and took on more than they could handle.
“Lisa Vanderpump had to step in and give them a lot of advice.”
MILLION-DOLLAR PROJECT
The U.S. Sun previously reported that the reality stars splashed nearly $1 million on Something About Her preparations.
To date, they’ve “spent nearly $1 million on the shop,” a source exclusively told The U.S. Sun.
The rent itself is “almost $8,000 a month,” the source revealed.
The business partners secured the location in September 2022 and have been paying the monthly rent since then.
Right now, they are awaiting permits from the health department, their liquor license, and approval for a new storefront after having to knock down the front patio and Something About Her sign, a source confirmed.
Also, per a source, the “entire flooring has to be pulled out” because the City of West Hollywood informed the owners that the flooring is “not for open food use.”
“So now, all of a sudden, after spending $300,000 on a build-out, they have to redo everything,” the source spilled.
“That is what is now going on.. It’s a clusterf**k [and] a lot of back and forth with city officials.”
KATIE SPEAKS OUT
Katie shared an update on January 17 while on the red carpet at a Vanderpump Rules premiere party in Los Angeles.
While talking to a reporter, a recorded message from Real Housewives of Potomac star Candiace Dillard played.
She asked: “Hi, Katie… so, what is happening with this new sandwich shop? And when can I come by and get my sandwich? Because I love sandwiches, so let me know.”
The Bravo star then explained: “Right now, we’re just waiting on some physical copies of some permits.
“We’re on other people’s time at this point. I know, it’s really frustrating. Everyone wants to know. I wanna know too!”
She concluded: “But, yeah, it’s just literally waiting on physical copies of permits so we can get our final permit that we need. It’s a waiting game.”
Meanwhile, Ariana is on the East Coast preparing to make her big debut on Broadway as Roxie Hart in Chicago.
The DWTS alum will be performing in New York City for an 8-week limited engagement until the end of March, which also adds to the concern of getting the sandwich shop up and running.
More drama on Something About Her is expected to unfold when season 11 of VPR premieres on January 30 at 8pm ET on Bravo.
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