Ariana Madix Responds to Rumor Sandwich Shop is “For Lease”

Credit: Jordan Strauss/Bravo

Ariana Madix and Katie Maloney are under fire following their unopened sandwich shop Something About Her’s latest merch drop.

Following the news of their collaboration with a sock company, the Vanderpump Rules stars were forced to clap back against a rumor that their restaurant is actually “for lease” while also being hit with claims of “money grabbing” and “copying” Tom Sandoval, 41, and Tom Schwartz, 40, who co-own two restaurants.

“Do you live near [West Hollywood]? If so, can you say if what other comments have mentioned is true or untrue, which is that the shop now has the windows covered with ‘For Lease’ signs, and that the awning is no longer there?” a fan asked last week in a comment shared on Instagram.

In response, Ariana, 38, confirmed that despite the ongoing rumors regarding why she and Katie, 36, have yet to open the doors to their sandwich shop, their property is not “for lease.”

“Our shop is not for lease. There’s a sign posted showing our application for beer and wine license is active. Y’all love a conspiracy!” she replied.

Another person in the comments section accused Ariana and Katie of following in the footsteps of their exes, who own West Hollywood’s TomTom with Lisa Vanderpump, 63, and Ken Todd, and Franklin Village’s Schwartz & Sandy’s with each other.

“And stop copying the Tom’s. Get a mind of your own,” the critic stated.

“You’re a f*cking weirdo,” Ariana clapped back.

Also on Instagram, Katie reacted to someone who complained that their previous Something About Her merch order never arrived and accused Katie and Ariana of “monetizing” themselves instead of opening their new spot.

“Last I heard your merch wasn’t even shipping for the orders already placed and it’s really sad to see you both money grabbing more. When you sold your team Ariana merch I ordered happily only to find out what I ordered sold out before mine was completed. Super unorganized and feels dirty and gross,” they alleged. “Stop monetizing yourselves and open the damn shop instead. We all have supported you, but count me out now. It’s icky.”

After seeing the stern message, Katie seemingly denied that orders went unfulfilled.

“Mam, what is this do your own research bs. You didn’t receive your order? I have reached out to people individually in the past who have said that and guess what? Turns out they all got their orders,” Katie insisted. “Sometimes shipping gets held up. I order things all the time and it sometimes arrives quick and sometimes takes awhile. I can’t believe I’m explaining this to grown adults.”

Vanderpump Rules season 11 premieres on Bravo in January 2024.