Lisa Vanderpump Shares New Details About Closing Pump — Including Ken's Retirement Plans
The Vanderpump Rules boss opened up about the "bittersweet" decision to close the iconic restaurant's doors after 10 years.
Lisa Vanderpump is sharing new details about her decision to close Pump after ten years in business.
In May 2023, the team at the iconic restaurant released a statement announcing the shocking news, and two months later, Lisa, Ken Todd, and several Vanderpump Rules cast members gathered to celebrate Pump's final night in business.
Season 11, Episode 2 of Vanderpump Rules gave a behind-the-scenes look at the party, including Lisa preparing to say goodbye to her beloved restaurant.
Lisa Vanderpump opens up about closing Pump
Hours before the big bash, Lisa spoke to her hairstylist, Patrick, about closing Pump. "It's not a party tonight. It's just the last day. There's no celebration," she explained. "If anything, it's like commiseration...The end of an era."
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In an interview during the episode that aired on February 6, Lisa explained more about the decision. "After 10 years, we've decided to close Pump. It's bittersweet, but the rent's going up, and it's going to be exponentially more expensive, and Ken's looking to retire," she said. "If we take it on for another ten years, that means Ken will still be stomping the pavements of West Hollywood when he'll be in his 80s."
She joked, "I'd be in my 40s. That is way too old."
While speaking to Patrick, Lisa added, "If you're really smart, sometimes it's good to know when to walk away... It's had so many great memories there. I think people are really gonna miss it."
Inside the final night at Pump
If the turnout for the special night was any indication, Lisa was certainly correct. For the goodbye event, Pump was packed with longtime customers and members of the Vanderpump Rules cast, including Lala Kent, Scheana Shay, Tom Schwartz, Ariana Madix, and Katie Maloney.
Lisa made a touching speech at the event as she thanked everyone for a decade of support. "Ten years ago, we had a dream to create the most beautiful garden in West Hollywood. There have been so many moments over the years, moments that will forever be etched in our minds."
Lisa Vanderpump's new restaurants
Although saying goodbye to Pump was, as Lisa put it, "the end of an era," she has multiple new restaurants already in the works. In June 2023, Lisa —whose restaurant portfolio currently includes SUR, Tom Tom, Vanderpump Cocktail Garden, and Vanderpump à Paris — announced a new restaurant, Wolf by Vanderpump in Lake Tahoe. “Opening this winter, Wolf will be filled with bold and unique design, taking elements from the character and identity of the wolf itself," she said.
In November 2023, she shared more exciting news: She and Ken are opening their next venture, Pinky’s by Vanderpump, which they plan to open in Summer 2024.
New episodes of Vanderpump Rules air on Tuesdays at 8/7c on Bravo. Stream episodes the next day on Peacock.
