Credit: Jeffrey Mayer/MEGA
Lisa Vanderpump and her husband, Ken Todd, announced the closure of Pump Restaurant Lounge on Thursday with a family statement suggesting a rent increase was to blame. But their landlord disputed their claims hours after their announcement was shared.
Three years after the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum, and current Vanderpump Rules cast member, shut down her former Beverly Hills hotspot, Villa Blanca, after their rent was increased, Ken announced the heartbreaking closing to his staff as their landlord spoke out.
According to a May 4 report, an insider told Radar Online the meeting between Ken and his employees was understandably “emotional.” However, when it comes to the future, Ken may not be saying goodbye to all of his staffers.
While nothing has been confirmed quite yet, and Pump won’t officially shutter its doors until July, Lisa and Ken are planning to do their best to help their employees by making room for them at SUR Restaurant or TomTom, where Pumptinis will continue to be served.
“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 10 years of beautiful evenings under our olive trees,” the family said in their statement on Thursday.
“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,” they continued, reportedly giving a nod to nearly $1 million in yearly rent.
But according to the landlord, who shared a statement with Deadline, their claims of a rent increase are untrue.
“Lisa’s comments regarding the rent for Pump are not accurate. We did not raise the rent and in fact have been nothing but supportive as they tried to catch up on lease obligations, including forgiving some rent during Covid,” the statement read.
Prior to the closure of Pump, Lisa, and Ken will host one “last hurrah” for Pride Month in June to “support the local community.”
Vanderpump Rules season 10 airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on Bravo.