Ariana Madix and Katie Maloney’s plans for Something About Her’s new patio ‘halted’ over budget and zoning issues
DESPITE booming business, Something About Her has suffered another setback as it struggles to get its outdoor dining space up and running, a source exclusively told The U.S. Sun.
Back in January, owners Ariana Madix and Katie Maloney were forced by the city of West Hollywood to tear down the patio and get completely new signage for the sandwich shop.
However, there were immediate plans to rebuild the outdoor dining area both in front of the store, as well as adding sitting options to the side alleyway next to the shop.
Now, nearly a year later, a source revealed to The U.S. Sun that due to finances as well as zoning permit issues, plans for the Something About Her patio continue to be on hold.
“No plans for the patio as of now, there haven’t been any updates,” an insider said.
“Everyone was excited about getting outdoor space and just more space in general but they put that on hold for now because it would have been really expensive, more than they thought.
“There’s also issues with the city. It’s extremely difficult and pricey to get these things approved and I know it’s been a struggle with permits.
“It’s hard with the [neighboring businesses] so close by, figuring out where to put it, there really isn’t space. Everyone would love it though so they’re trying.”
The source also revealed that the compact 740-square-foot store is under new management and everyone is “doing their best” with the ongoing changes.
Something About Her sits on a busy road in West Hollywood, CA and is sandwiched between a neighboring business – leaving little room for expansion.
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Directly next to the famed sandwich shop is Oak Berry, a smoothie store while on the immediate other side of Something About Her is a home decor business.
Next to Oak Berry is an alley pathway filled with planters that leads to the back area of SAH.
Earlier this year, a source said that the side area next to Oak Berry was originally intended to be where they would be able to add more tables after having to remove the small patio that was at the store’s original space.
When Ariana, 39, and Katie, 37, first purchased the storefront where Something About Here now resides, it had a small, square-shaped patio from its former tenant.
Back in December, the Vanderpump Rules stars filed to obtain a new permit from the City of West Hollywood, proposing a different outdoor dining area and a new canopy that’s permissible within limits.
The application requested approval for plans of a new 20-square-foot patio.
According to city records, the permit was approved on April 26, 2024 and issued a few days later on April 30, 2024.
However, there remains to be no outdoor options for the small business all these months later.
“The drawings that were submitted for the new outdoor dining space don’t look the same as it was before.
“They’re not giving up hope since the outdoor dining area would be beneficial to the business and will allow for more seating space,” a source said.
Business for the VPR shop has remained steady since its opening day in May.
Due to the interior being so small, a line regularly forms outside of patrons waiting to try a bite of the menu’s luxury sandwiches.
The sandwiches cost between $14 to $18 while drinks, such as Olipop, are $8 a can.
The names of each sandwich are inspired by “queens” in the romantic comedy genre as the shop was inspired by iconic Nancy Meyers films.
Some of these bites include The Diane (Sicilian style tuna salad on artisan baguette), The Reese (chef’s chicken salad on seven grain bread), The Nancy (BLT on toasted sourdough), and The Meg (Greek salad on traditional lavash) among other sandwiches.
In addition, there is a selection of baked goods, sweet treats, chips, wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages.
While customers have reported that Ariana is “very rarely, if ever” in the shop, Katie appears to be present much more.
The reality star is often seen working at SAH with her mom, Teri.
