The wait was actually insane. For two years, fans of Vanderpump Rules drove past that corner on Robertson Boulevard, staring at the window wrap and wondering if a sandwich was ever actually going to materialize. Honestly, it became a bit of a running joke. People were placing bets on whether the heat death of the universe would happen before Katie Maloney and Ariana Madix finally cut the ribbon.
But Something About Her LA did open. And it’s weirdly good.
It’s not just a TV set. It’s a real business, with real overhead, in one of the most expensive zip codes in the country. You’ve seen the drama on Bravo, the permit delays, the "Penny" of it all, and the constant questions about the funding. But if you actually stand in line on a Tuesday morning, the vibe is different than what the cameras show. It’s less "reality TV chaos" and more "Nancy Meyers movie come to life."
The Vibe Shift on Robertson Boulevard
Most celebrity-backed spots in Los Angeles feel cold. They’re designed for Instagram, not for eating. They have neon signs that say "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" and overpriced cocktails that taste like battery acid and sugar. Something About Her LA avoided that trap. Designed by Jon Hutman—who literally worked on Something’s Gotta Give and The Holiday—the space feels lived-in.
It’s tiny. Like, surprisingly small.
You’ve got these yellow striped awnings and French bistro chairs that make you feel like you’re in a rom-com. It’s intentional. Katie and Ariana leaned hard into the "soft feminine" aesthetic because it’s the direct opposite of the hyper-masculine, industrial, "sweaty" vibe of Schwartz & Sandy’s. It’s a branding masterclass in counter-programming.
What Everyone Gets Wrong About the Delay
Everyone loves to blame the "sandwich shop that never opens" on incompetence. It’s a fun narrative. But if you look at the public records for West Hollywood commercial permits, the reality is a lot more boring and frustrating.
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- The Patio Issue: The city is notoriously difficult with outdoor seating and "change of use" permits.
- The Grease Trap: You can't just flip a retail space into a food service spot. Plumbing is a nightmare in these old buildings.
- The Name: There were trademark hurdles that weren't fully cleared initially.
The "Something About Her LA" delays were basically a case study in why most small businesses fail in their first year. They had the benefit of Bravo money and merch sales—which allegedly brought in seven figures before they even sold a turkey club—to keep them afloat while they fought the bureaucracy. Most people would have folded.
The Menu: Is it Actually a Good Sandwich?
Let's be real. If the food sucked, it would just be a tourist trap for people from Ohio visiting for the weekend. But they hired Chef Anne Croy to consult, and it shows. This isn't Subway.
The names are all nods to iconic women. You’ve got "The Diane," "The Meg," "The Drew." It’s cute. But the actual composition of the sandwiches matters more than the names. They use high-quality bread from local bakeries, which is the secret to any LA food success. If the sourdough doesn't have a crunch, the locals won't come back.
- The Cameron: This is the one people talk about. It’s spicy, it’s messy, and it’s got actual depth.
- The Viola: A vegetarian option that doesn't feel like an afterthought.
The price point? It’s West Hollywood. You’re going to pay $18 for a sandwich. Is that ridiculous? Maybe. But in a neighborhood where a green juice costs $14, it’s actually somewhat competitive. They aren't trying to be a deli for the masses; they are trying to be a destination.
The Business Logic of Something About Her LA
The genius of this shop isn't the ham. It’s the community.
Ariana Madix went through what can only be described as a cultural moment with "Scandoval." She became a symbol of the "scorned woman who wins." By the time the shop opened, Something About Her LA wasn't just a place to get lunch; it was a way for fans to show solidarity. It’s "revenge" in brick-and-mortar form.
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From a business perspective, the merch strategy was flawless. They sold sweatshirts and hats for a shop that didn't exist, and people wore them. Why? Because the brand stood for something. It stood for Katie and Ariana’s independence from their exes. In marketing, we call that "emotional resonance." It’s much harder to build than a good menu.
The Real Impact on WeHo Tourism
Robertson Boulevard has had a weird decade. It used to be the center of the paparazzi universe in the mid-2000s (think Kitson and The Ivy). Then it died. Then it became a design district.
Now, thanks to this shop and its proximity to SUR and The Abbey, the foot traffic is back. You see lines of people waiting in the sun. This has a "halo effect" on the neighboring shops. The boutique next door gets more browsing. The coffee shop down the street gets the overflow.
Dealing with the Criticisms
It hasn't been all sunshine.
Critics say the shop is too small to ever be truly profitable based on table turnover alone. And they might be right. If you only have a handful of seats, you have to be a high-volume takeout machine to cover West Hollywood rent.
There’s also the question of "celebrity burnout." What happens when the show ends? What happens when the "Scandoval" hype finally dissipates? For Something About Her LA to survive five years, it has to transition from a "Bravo spot" to a "local favorite." That means the service has to be fast, the quality has to be consistent, and they have to keep the menu fresh.
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How to Actually Visit Without Losing Your Mind
If you’re planning a trip, don't go on Saturday at noon. You’ll wait two hours. Just don't do it.
Go on a Tuesday at 2:00 PM. The lunch rush is over, the staff is less stressed, and you might actually get a seat at one of those cute tables. Check their Instagram stories before you go. They’ve been known to close for private filming or if they run out of specific ingredients.
Also, keep your expectations in check. It’s a sandwich shop. It’s a very nice sandwich shop with a great backstory, but it’s not a Michelin-star experience. Go for the vibes, the photos, and a solid lunch.
What’s Next for the Brand?
There are already whispers about expansion. Whether that’s a second location in the Valley or a line of "Something About Her" home goods, the brand is clearly bigger than just one storefront.
The real test will be the next two years.
Maintaining a restaurant in LA is a war of attrition. You have to deal with rising labor costs, supply chain issues, and the fickle nature of influencers. But Katie and Ariana have shown a weird kind of resilience. They didn't give up when everyone was laughing at them for the delays. That counts for something.
Steps to Take Before Your Visit
- Check the hours: They aren't open late. This is a lunch and early afternoon spot.
- Parking is a nightmare: Just Uber or find a public garage on Santa Monica Blvd. Street parking on Robertson is a trap.
- Order the sides: The sandwiches get the glory, but the side salads are surprisingly thoughtful.
- Look for the details: Pay attention to the pillows and the glassware. It’s where the "Nancy Meyers" budget really shows.
The story of Something About Her LA is basically the story of modern celebrity. It’s about turning a narrative into a tangible asset. Whether you’re a fan of the show or just someone who likes a really good balsamic glaze, the shop has carved out a space that feels earned. It’s not just a business; it’s a statement.