Ariana Madix and Katie Maloney from Vanderpump Rules have successfully opened their highly anticipated sandwich shop, Something About Her, following a lengthy series of delays.
The grand opening on May 22 was far from smooth-sailing, marked by technical hiccups and permit struggles. Fans eagerly awaited the launch after numerous setbacks since the LLC for the café was filed in July 2021. Despite these obstacles, the duo managed to open their doors to an enthusiastic crowd.
Struggles with permits and health issues
The original summer 2023 opening was pushed to mid-October and then further delayed to January 2024 due to persistent permit problems. Health department issues also necessitated significant changes around the shop, which included replacing a non-compliant kitchen sink and redoing the flooring. A source disclosed, They just heard back from Public Health and now they’re dealing with issues with the kitchen sink.
Lisa Vanderpump’s absence raises eyebrows
The involvement of Lisa Vanderpump became a hot topic among fans who speculated about her role in the business. Contrary to expectations, she had no part in it. Her absence was indeed noticeable, with some fans expressing disappointment over her lack of support towards her Vanderpump Rules co-stars.
One of the shop’s servers depicted some of the operational challenges they faced: Our POS system crashed right in the middle of taking orders during the grand opening. It was a nightmare.
The outdoor patio debacle
A considerable part of their difficulties involved their outdoor patio. Initially constructed without proper permits, it had to be torn down and rebuilt, further adding to their woes. Ariana even humorously recounted during an episode of Season 11’s Vanderpump Rules: I don’t want to say that things at the restaurant are s**tty right now, but someone did just poop on our patio.
Broadway calling takes Ariana away
Add to this scenario, Ariana’s absence for a stint on Broadway playing Roxie Hart in Chicago, which reportedly left Katie handling most of the preparations solo. The timing couldn’t have been worse as issues compounded during this period, significantly impacting progress on the restaurant’s front.
Mishaps on opening day
A heady mix of excitement and chaos marked the grand opening day. Fans queued up for hours to get inside, despite operational hurdles like POS system failures causing delays. A witness described seeing Ariana inform customers: So our POS system has decided that today is the day that it wants to not work.
Fans, undeterred by these issues, were still thrilled to be attending such a long-awaited event.
Final thoughts on opening day
The turnout might have been impressive,
but some attendees couldn’t help feeling slightly underwhelmed by what felt like an unorganized event. Lackluster decorations and seating arrangements were among their complaints.
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