Back in 2021, Vanderpump Rules stars Ariana Madix and Katie Maloney surprised fans by revealing plans to launch their own rom-com-inspired sandwich shop in West Hollywood. The concept, cleverly named Something About Her (SAH), promised a fresh spin on LA’s culinary scene—serving up not just gourmet sandwiches but a full-on experience drenched in feminine charm and cinematic nostalgia.
However, in true Hollywood fashion, the road to opening day has been long and winding.
The Delays: Permits, Patios, and Pessimism
From the start, SAH’s timeline was beset by problems—most notably, city permitting issues and complications with a small outdoor patio area. The delays led many fans and critics alike to wonder whether the shop would ever open or if it was just a Bravo-backed marketing gimmick.
Addressing the Skepticism
Recently, Katie Maloney addressed the backlash, shooting down any accusations that SAH was a scam. In a public statement, she insisted, “This has never been just about merch or TV. The shop is so dangerously close to opening—finally.”
And for the first time, it’s starting to look like she means it.
Something About Her Sets an Official Opening Date
Drumroll, please: Something About Her will officially open its doors next month. Although an exact day hasn’t been publicly confirmed, sources close to the team revealed that soft openings are already being scheduled, and the interior is fully prepped and operational.
Fans of Vanderpump Rules and sandwich aficionados alike are eagerly counting down the days.
Soft Launches and Taste Testing
Leading up to the grand opening, the duo plans to host a series of soft openings, giving friends, influencers, and a few lucky fans a sneak peek at the menu and vibe. After two tastings aired on VPR, many are wondering if new menu items will be added. Spoiler alert: insiders say yes.
Design, Decor, and Outdoor Seating Updates
SAH’s interior has been described as “rom-com chic,” with warm tones, cheeky quotes from iconic romantic comedies, and a stylish but cozy vibe that invites customers to linger over their paninis. But there’s still some work being done on the exterior.
No Patio? No Problem
While the original outdoor patio space was scrapped due to city restrictions, Ariana and Katie have found a clever workaround. Instead of a traditional patio, the team is installing tables along the alleyway beside the store and a custom-designed bench in front of the shop. It’s not ideal, but it’s practical—and it keeps the outdoor charm alive.
Currently, a few chairs sit where the patio once was, doubling as a makeshift waiting area for potential hires. The team is still actively recruiting, which has been shown in recent episodes of Vanderpump Rules.
WeHo Pride Party Plans
In true West Hollywood spirit, the shop has something big planned for its first weekend: a massive WeHo Pride party to coincide with the city’s celebration from May 31 to June 2. Details are under wraps, but sources promise music, limited-edition merch, and maybe even a few familiar Bravo faces behind the counter.
Expect glitter, confetti, and enough Aperol spritzes to keep the crowd buzzing.
Overcoming the Merch Criticism
One of the major critiques SAH has faced is its early emphasis on merchandise—specifically sweatshirts, t-shirts, and even branded socks—despite having no actual sandwiches to sell at the time.
Turning Merch Into Momentum
Katie and Ariana flipped that criticism into opportunity. The merch helped fund final stages of development and kept SAH in the public eye. Now that the physical space is nearly ready, they’re hopeful fans will see their vision come full circle: from sweatshirts to sandwiches.
Season 12: A Fully Functioning SAH?
The big question: will Season 12 of Vanderpump Rules finally feature a fully-operational SAH shop? After all the teasing and testing, fans are ready for scenes of Ariana taking sandwich orders and Katie testing new recipes—not just meetings and merch drops.
Production sources hint that SAH’s grand opening will be featured prominently in Season 12, especially given the pride weekend and drama likely surrounding it.
Why This Sandwich Shop Actually Matters
Sure, LA has plenty of trendy cafés and influencer-fueled foodie spots. But SAH is different.
Breaking the Mold
First, it’s not backed by celebrity chefs or corporate dollars. Instead, it’s built on friendship, resilience, and the vision of two women reclaiming their power after heartbreak. Ariana’s very public split from Tom Sandoval gave her newfound independence, while Katie’s own romantic reset has been a journey in self-rediscovery.
SAH is as much a business venture as it is a statement of autonomy.
Female-Owned and Fabulous
SAH also joins a growing list of female-founded small businesses in a city that desperately needs more of them. The shop aims to hire women and queer employees first, championing inclusivity and opportunity.
Even the menu celebrates women, with sandwiches named after rom-com heroines like Meg Ryan, Julia Roberts, and Reese Witherspoon.
Will People Actually Go?
Despite the buzz, some skeptics still wonder if SAH will have staying power once the novelty wears off.
Built-In Bravo Audience
The truth is, Vanderpump Rules still boasts a loyal, highly engaged audience. With weekly exposure on Bravo and millions of Instagram followers between them, Ariana and Katie already have a customer base primed for lunch breaks and selfie stops.
If the sandwiches are even halfway decent, that audience will return.
Strategic Location
Located in the heart of West Hollywood, SAH is surrounded by foot traffic, nightlife, and a mix of tourists and locals. As long as they can keep the menu fresh and the vibes high, the shop could easily become a staple of the neighborhood.
What’s Next for Ariana and Katie?
With SAH nearly open, fans are wondering what comes next for the duo.
Cookbook Collab?
There have been whispers of a possible cookbook featuring SAH recipes and behind-the-scenes stories from their journey. A publishing deal isn’t confirmed, but insiders say it’s a strong possibility.
Expanding the Brand
If the flagship location does well, there’s talk of expanding SAH to other trendy LA neighborhoods—or even launching a sister concept focused on coffee and pastries.
Final Thoughts: Will It All Pay Off?
Ariana Madix and Katie Maloney’s road to opening Something About Her has been anything but easy. Between permitting delays, patio drama, and public skepticism, many would’ve walked away. But the duo stuck it out, driven by passion, friendship, and a hefty dose of rom-com optimism.
Now, with the grand opening finally in sight, SAH is poised to become more than just a plotline on reality TV. It might just become West Hollywood’s next must-visit foodie hotspot.
So the next time you’re in LA, grab a Julia, find a seat on that custom bench, and soak in the rom-com realness. Something About Her is finally open for business—and the sandwiches might just be worth the wait.
