'VPR' Pump Restaurant Lounge Closing, Where Will The Cast Fight Now?
By Kay on May 5, 2023 at 5:30 PM EDT
Lisa Vanderpump is closing the doors to the famous West Hollywood spot. It's not the decision she wanted to make.
Lisa Vanderpump Has A Heavy Heart
The restaurateur shared today that Pump Restaurant Lounge will no longer be open. "It's with heavy hearts that we announce that the lease at Pump Restaurant is expiring, and we will be closing its doors on July 5th, after ten years of beautiful evenings under our olive trees."
The statement was given to TMZ and came as a shock, as it is one of the leading restaurants featured in the popular Bravo series Vanderpump Rules. What will the show look like without bitch fights breaking out in the peaceful, classy setting?
Lisa is no stranger to a good business tactic and has assured fans that this isn't the end of the trendy eatery. She and her husband, Ken Todd, who co-owns several restaurants with his wife, plan to expand.
What sucks about the expansion is it isn't in WeHo anymore; it's not even in Los Angeles anymore.
Lisa Vanderpump Exploring Las Vegas
Either Lisa and Ken plan on retiring in the gambling-loving state, or they know a good business deal when they see one. She plans on opening not one but two more restaurants in Vegas at Caesars Palace.
Lisa and Ken already have two restaurants in Vegas; Vanderpump Cocktail Garden, which has a similar vibe to Pump, and Vanderpump à Paris. This will give the powerhouse couple four restaurants in the Vegas area and probably more if Lisa has a say.
Vegas is also a place that t cast visits regularly when they want a quick getaway. In fact, Tom Schwartz, Katie Maloney, and Raquel Levis's drama started to be revealed in the latest season. Leviss admitted she had a little crush on Schwartz-y and joked about making a move on him, which we all know now is not a joke.
Lisa Vanderpump Refuses To Pay High Rent
TMZ is reporting that one of the reasons why the beloved lounge is closing its doors is because the rent has gotten way too high. There has been a dramatic increase, damn near $1 million. The show and her business are successful, but that is a lot.
Lisa isn't interested in having her hand forced. "While we have loved our time operating Pump, to take on another 10-year lease with a huge increase in rent by the landlords is not something we are ready to commit to. After successfully running 37+ establishments for many years, this type of rent is untenable."
Lisa did strike up a deal to keep the restaurant open past June so she could celebrate one last Pride. The mogul wants to "support the local community with one last hurrah." Don't worry; Lisa will continue to be spotted around West Hollywood.
She and Ken still own TomTom and Sur in the surrounding area. "We look forward to welcoming you all to TomTom & Sur in the months following! Thank you for the past decade of support; we have loved our staff, patrons, and time together."
You better get your butt to Pump before it's too late!