Vanderpump Rules stars Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz have seriously “stepped up” and done their best to take care of their unemployed TomTom staff as the coronavirus outbreak continues and the restaurant bar remains closed.
Sandoval and Schwartz, who co-own TomTom with Lisa Vanderpump and Ken Todd, have been “amazing” during the ongoing health crisis. “They have stepped up in a surreal way. They are constantly checking in on the staff and keeping in very close contact with everyone,” a source told Us Weekly.
“They’ve even raised more than $50,000 that has gone directly into their staff’s pockets,” the insider continued. “They are constantly thinking of creative ways to help out and everyone has really felt the bar is like a family and they are all in this together. It’s very much a team effort, and the staff is so grateful.”
“Tom and Tom not only talk the talk, but they walk the walk. They don’t run when things get bad. They fight for their staff, their bar and they are amazing leaders,” the source told the publication, noting that Sandoval’s girlfriend, Ariana Madix, and Schwartz’s wife, Katie Maloney, have “been huge presences” as well.
“It’s made everyone feel really thankful and uplifted during such insane times,” the source said. “The staff is really thankful that Tom and Tom are in charge.”
However, the insider also revealed that the employees at all of Vanderpump’s restaurants are “really struggling.” In addition to TomTom, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum owns SUR, Pump and Villa Blanca in Los Angeles. She also has Vanderpump Cocktail Garden in Las Vegas.
“Fans think even the TomTom staff basically just work there for fun and they’re all loaded. This just couldn’t be further from the truth. The staff is made up of struggling actors, musicians, people who came to L.A. for a dream and are making ends meet in the meantime by making drinks, washing dishes, serving food, you name it,” the source told Us Weekly. “Sure the exposure at one of Lisa’s restaurants helps — but that doesn’t mean they are loaded. The people working long shifts, being paid a normal server fee, trying to make rent, cannot be compared to the Stassis and Kirstens of the world.”
Last month, the Toms joined Cameo and announced that all of the money they made from the platform would be given to their staff. The restaurateurs, who charged $150 per Cameo, also said they would match all donations up to $10,000 using their own money.
Given the constantly evolving nature of COVID-19, we want our readers (courtesy via Us Weekly) to have access to the most accurate resources. For the most up-to-date coronavirus information, guidance, and support, consult the CDC, WHO, and information from local public health officials. If you’re experiencing coronavirus symptoms, call your primary care provider for medical advice.
Photo Credit: Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for Loop Now Technologies
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