Something About Her — the West Hollywood sandwich shop founded by “Vanderpump Rules” stars Ariana Madix and Katie Maloney — has officially opened, after a long period of red tape. On Wednesday, more than 100 people stood outside the brightly colored awning before it opened, waiting for hours to buy the long-awaited sandwiches from this highly anticipated 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.
“It was very exciting when we opened the blinds,” Madix said Variety. “The line was crazy. We are very grateful that all these people are not only willing to come and support, but also willing to wait. We’re a small place, so that was really great.”
And wait, they did. Fans waited patiently in line for up to three hours to claim a coveted seat in the cheerful space. Ciera Carattimi and Lauren Rodriguez drove in from Whittier and San Gabriel and had been waiting for food for over an hour. How long would they like to stay? “Forever!” Rodriguez exclaimed. “I actually canceled, I was supposed to be at work.”
“Vanderpump Rules” fans around the world have all been eagerly awaiting the opening of Something About Her, which was teased during the breathtaking “Vanderpump Rules” reunion in 2023. In the midst of last year’s Scandoval drama (which featured Madix’s long-time boyfriend and co-star Tom Sandoval was revealed to have cheated on her with their co-star, Rachel Leviss) the idea of two castmates coming together to bring a little brightness out of so much drama struck a chord with fans. Bravo fans were so ready for Something About Her to open they purchased more than $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 deli’s POS (point of sale) system was broken. “Naturally!” Madix said. “It’s day one, and everything that could possibly go wrong, that has never happened before, has happened. But everyone rallied and got it done, and we just started working on another system! We made it happen.”
Hollywood production designer Jon Hutman – who has worked on several Nancy Meyers films, including “The Holiday,” “Something’s Gotta Give” and “It’s Complicated” – handled the location’s styling. Decorated with antique chandeliers and loads of cushions, the atmosphere at Something About Her is decidedly relaxing. It’s the kind of place where a glass of wine is enjoyed with lunch (if that’s your thing) while guests unwind to soft jazz tunes playing through the speakers.
“We have beer and wine, we have hard kombucha, we have seltzers, we have hard tea,” Madix said. And yes, of course, Loverboy, Kyle Cooke’s cocktail creation from the Bravo sister series “Summer House” was in stock and on display, alongside Avaline wine and an array of high-end drinks including Recess, cider and a variety of Olipop sodas.
Madix and Maloney’s intentions for their restaurant are printed on the menus. Together they shared a dream: “…creating a space that not only nourishes the body, but also uplifts the spirit. As two passionate women looking for empowerment and connection, we envisioned an oasis where design and taste merge to celebrate femininity and creativity.”
Next to the merchandise booth, appropriately displayed in baskets and vintage-looking containers, sat “Vanderpump Rules” truthteller and Katie Maloney’s mother, Teri Noble Maloney. The matriarch said it was incredible to finally see the yellow and white awning open for business: “One lady standing in line started crying, and then I started crying.” And if you’re curious, Something About Her offers a collection of merchandise options, including T-shirts in black, white, and sage for $29.99, and black or white baseball caps for $29.99. “They’re selling like hotcakes,” Teri Maloney added. Katie Maloney declined to comment; we are a border queen.
As for sandwiches, Teri Noble Maloney suggested “The Meg,” “which is like a Mediterranean salad on a lavash wrap.” But she also maintains a fondness for the chicken salad sandwich called “The Reese.” Prices for the meals range from $14 to $18, not including chips (but there were several plates of grapes).
As their first day approached closing time (4 p.m.), all signs pointed to success. Four of the nine sandwiches were sold out and the line showed no signs of closing down. In response, Madix and Maloney stepped out again to greet fans. The dedication is real.
When asked what they would say to Madix and Maloney if given the opportunity, their fans answered the call.
“They are the strongest women ever, and I think they have a positive influence on all the viewers watching,” Carattimi said. “Every woman continues [a breakup], but I feel like the way Ariana handles it shows her the right way to go about things. It’s a very positive reinforcement that you haven’t seen on the show in years.
‘I don’t want to go into it because then I’ll start crying. I just love her so much,” Rodriquez added. “They are my icons, and I love them forever, and no one can make me hate them.”