Ariana Madix and Katie Maloney are stepping into an exciting new venture with the opening of Something About Her, and they’re feeling a mix of fear and exhilaration as they embark on this journey. After more than two years in development, their sandwich shop officially opened its doors in West Hollywood on Wednesday.
For Katie, the feeling of finally launching the restaurant is both a relief and surreal. After facing numerous bureaucratic hurdles with the West Hollywood city officials, the grand opening marks a significant milestone for the duo. During a recent visit to the shop, Katie expressed, “The whole vision we had, from the music to the decor to the sandwiches, was meticulously planned.” Ariana chimed in, looking forward to the experience customers would have. “I want patrons to enjoy a delightful sandwich, perhaps a glass of wine, and leave feeling uplifted.”
The venue was designed to be Instagram-worthy, featuring signature sandwiches paired with drinks from celebrity-founded brands like Avaline and Loverboy. The ambiance aims to invoke “delusional main character energy,” a concept that resonates with modern dining experiences. Notably, they collaborated with Jon Hutman, the production designer behind memorable Nancy Meyers films, enhancing the warm and inviting atmosphere.
Katie humorously recounted how the idea to connect with Hutman came from a friend’s suggestion, leading to a chance email that turned into a fruitful partnership. The interior, with its soft mint-green hues and romantic touches, draws inspiration from iconic romantic comedies, notably focusing on “It’s Complicated,” in which Meryl Streep’s character also dabbled in the sandwich business.
Last week, Katie and Ariana hosted a soft launch for friends and family, where familiar faces from “Vanderpump Rules” like Andy Cohen and Kristen Doute dropped by to sample the menu. While their former co-stars were present, some current cast members maintained their distance following the tumultuous events surrounding season 11 of the show.
The timing of this restaurant launch coincides with a transitional period for “Vanderpump Rules.” With the show’s 11th season set to conclude soon and no immediate plans for filming a twelfth season, Katie and Ariana are ready to embrace this “new era.” Katie described it as a time filled with uncertainty but also with thrilling possibilities. “It feels both daunting and exciting because so much is open to interpretation,” she pointed out, highlighting their optimism.
This venture is groundbreaking for both women, as it marks their first experience as business owners. “We’re facing many firsts,” Ariana noted, acknowledging the challenges yet also appreciating the exhilaration that comes with them.
Amidst their entrepreneurial pursuits, Katie will be managing the restaurant while Ariana flies out to host “Love Island” in Fiji and returns to Broadway to star as Roxie Hart in “Chicago.” Their friendship has remained strong throughout this process, and they aim to keep communication open, even incorporating mini updates as Ariana jests about sending voice notes.
With a collaborative spirit and shared vision, the two women are determined to see their dream flourish. “It’s about staying focused on our goals,” Katie reflected, while Ariana emphasized their compatible working relationship, highlighting how their astrological signs provide a balance.
Something About Her can now be found at 640 N. Robertson Boulevard in West Hollywood, CA, and as “Vanderpump Rules” fans await the season reunion conclusion on May 28, all eyes will be on Katie and Ariana as they make waves in their new venture.
