Something About Her Draws Massive Crowd as ‘Vanderpump Rules’ Fans Wait Three Hours for Ariana and Katie’s Sandwiches
Something About Her — the West Hollywood sandwich shop started by “Vanderpump Rules” stars Ariana Madix and Katie Maloney — is officially open for business, after a long period in red-tape limbo. On Wednesday, more than 100 people lined up outside the bright awning before it had opened, waiting several hours to buy the highly anticipated sandwiches from this long-awaited restaurant.
A few days after the soft opening for friends and family, it was finally time to open the doors to the public. Variety popped in to check it out on the first day it was open.
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“It was very, very exciting when we were opening the blinds,” Madix told Variety. “The line has been crazy. We’re just really grateful that all these people are not only willing to come and support, they’re also willing to wait. We are a small place, so, that’s been really awesome.”
And wait they did. Fans patiently sat in line for up to three hours to claim a coveted seat inside the cheery space. Ciera Carattimi and Lauren Rodriguez drove in from Whittier and San Gabriel and had already been waiting for over an hour to eat. How much longer would they be willing to stay? “Forever!” exclaimed Rodriguez. “I actually called off, I was supposed to be at work.”
“Vanderpump Rules” fans across the world have all been steadfastly waiting for Something About Her to open, which was teased at the jaw-dropping “Vanderpump Rules” reunion back in 2023. In the midst of last year’s Scandoval drama (during which Madix’s long-time boyfriend and co-star Tom Sandoval was revealed to have been cheating on her with their co-star, Rachel Leviss) the idea of two castmates coming together to bring a bit of brightness out of so much drama struck a chord with fans. Bravo fans were so ready for Something About Her to open they purchased over $200,000 worth of merchandise before the first piece of bread was toasted.
The opening day was not without drama. Before they could even welcome the first guest inside, the sandwich shop’s POS (point of sale) system was on the fritz. “Of course!” Madix said. “It’s day one, and anything that could possibly go wrong that’s never happened before has. But everybody rallied and got it together, and we started working on a different system, just like that! We got it done.”
Hollywood production designer Jon Hutman — who has worked on several Nancy Meyers films, including “The Holiday,” “Something’s Gotta Give” and “It’s Complicated” — styled the venue. Adorned with antique chandeliers and loads of throw pillows, the vibes at Something About Her are decidedly relaxing. It’s the kind of place that encourages a glass of wine with lunch (if that’s your thing), while guests unwind to gentle jazz tunes playing over the speakers.
“We do have beer and wine, we have hard kombucha, we have seltzers, we have hard teas,” Madix said. And yes, of course, Loverboy, the cocktail creation from Kyle Cooke of Bravo sister series “Summer House” was in stock and on display, next to Avaline wine and an array of high-end drinks including Recess, cider and a variety of Olipop sodas.
Madix and Maloney’s intention for their restaurant is printed on its menus. Together, they shared a dream: “…to create a space that not only nourishes the body but also uplifts the spirit. As two passionate women seeking empowerment and connection, we envisioned a haven where design and taste intertwine to celebrate feminity and creativity.”
Perched next to the merch stand, appropriately displayed in baskets and vintage-looking containers, was “Vanderpump Rules” truth-teller and Katie Maloney’s mother, Teri Maloney. The matriarch said it was incredible finally seeing the yellow-and-white awning open up for business, “One lady standing in line actually started crying, and then I started crying.” And if you’re curious, Something About Her offers a collection of merch options, including T-shirts in black, white and sage for $35, and black or white baseball caps for $29.99. “They’re selling like hot cakes,” Teri Maloney added. Katie Maloney declined to comment; we stan a boundaries queen.
As for the sandwiches, Teri Maloney suggested “The Meg,” “which is like a Mediterranean salad on a lavash wrap.” But she also remains partial to the chicken salad sandwich called “The Reese” while “The “Viola” appeared to be the crowd’s favorite. Prices on the meals range from $14 to $18, chips not included (but several plates came with grapes and/or a pickle).
As their first day neared closing time (4 p.m.), all signs pointed to success. Four out of the nine sandwiches had sold out, and the line still showed no signs of winding down. In response, Madix and Maloney stepped out again to greet fans. The dedication is real.
When asked what they’d say to Madix and Maloney, if given the chance, their fans answered the call.
“They are the strongest women ever, and I think they’re setting a positive influence for all viewers that are watching,” Carattimi said. “Every woman goes through [a breakup], but I feel like the way that Ariana is handling it, she’s showing the right way to go about things. It’s very positive reinforcement that you haven’t seen in the show for years.”
“I don’t want to get into it because I’ll start crying. I just love her so much,” Rodriquez added. “They’re my icons, and I love them forever, and no one can make me hate them.”
Clearly, Madix and Maloney are the new number-one guys in the group.
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