Tom Sandoval recently discussed his evolving friendship with Tom Schwartz while attending BravoCon 2025 in Las Vegas on November 14, 2025. As Schwartz considers pursuing his own path in the spin-off series *The Valley*, Sandoval asserted that Schwartz has always maintained a strong sense of self, even when he appears to be overshadowed by Sandoval’s more outgoing personality.
“Schwartz has always had his own identity,” Sandoval explained. “It’s really funny that he says that because, behind closed doors, Schwartz definitely wears the pants in a lot of ways.” This candid comment reflects the duo’s long-standing friendship, which began during their time working at Lisa Vanderpump’s SUR restaurant and co-starring on *Vanderpump Rules*. Together, they have also launched two restaurants, TomTom and Schwartz & Sandy’s.
Sandoval elaborated on the challenges they faced with Schwartz & Sandy’s, which has struggled to find its footing in the competitive dining scene. “Dealing with something that’s not doing well, failing, constant pressure and negativity… it definitely wears on your friendship,” he stated. However, he expressed optimism about their bond, saying, “Overall, since we’ve moved past that, it’s definitely been better.”
As Schwartz joins the cast of *The Valley*, Sandoval is exploring his own future on reality television. “Not currently for this season, I’ve been on the fence about whether I wanted to be on *The Valley*,” he mentioned. “I would be more open to it now, especially with Schwartz and Lala. It would feel more organic.”
Sandoval also spoke about the benefits of stepping back from *Vanderpump Rules*. “Being away from the show, it’s nice to have a little distance and have a little privacy,” he noted. He has been enjoying life outside the spotlight with his partner, Victoria, whom he has been with since 2024. The couple is reportedly considering marriage, with Sandoval joking, “Who knows?”
Victoria joined Sandoval at BravoCon, marking her first experience at the fan convention. “It’s been nice, like, I get to coast and just sort of chill and meander,” he said. The event, filled with “great energy,” allowed them to connect with fans and friends, including Schwartz, Teddi Mellencamp, Tamra Judge, and Brittany Cartwright.
As the two Toms navigate their respective paths, it is clear that their friendship remains a cornerstone in both their lives. Sandoval’s reflections on their dynamic showcase a deeper understanding of their relationship, suggesting that while they may have taken different roads, their bond continues to thrive.
