Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurant Pump SUSPENDED by state for ‘problems with taxes’ as LA hotspot remains closed in pandemic
LISA Vanerpump’s famous Los Angeles restaurant, Pump, has been SUSPENDED by the state over a tax dispute, The Sun can exclusively reveal.
The celebrity hotspot – which is heavily featured on Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules – has remained closed during the pandemic despite its West Hollywood neighbors re-opening months ago.
According to business records from the state obtained by The Sun, the California Franchise Tax Board “suspended” Pump indefinitely.
The website states businesses’ with this standing are due to failure to file tax returns, failure to pay taxes and/or failure to pay penalties/interest.
Records show filings were made as recently on February 2nd, 2021 for the company account however, no status changes were indicated on the forms.
In order for the company to get back in good standing with the state, Pump would need to file any allegedly past due tax returns and pay any alleged past due tax balances, according to the state’s website.
It’s unclear what exactly caused the California Franchise Tax Board to suspend Pump or how much money the company allegedly owes.
A representative for Lisa did not respond to The Sun’s request for comment.
Lisa, 60, owns the well-known eatery that opened in May 2014 with her businessman husband, Ken Todd.
The pair own dozens of companies together and several restaurants in West Hollywood, CA along including Pump, Tom Tom, Sur and Villa Blanca – which shut its doors permanently last year.
Pump’s tax problems comes following a lawsuit filed in February from one of the business’ vendors.
TMZ revealed that both Pump and Villa Blanca were getting sued by a vegetable supplier for an alleged lack of payments last year.
West Central Produce sued both restaurants – not Lisa or Ken specifically – claiming it hasn’t gotten paid since March 2020 – right when Los Angeles eateries were forced to closed for lockdown.
The produce company alleges in the court docs they are owed just under $100,000 from both cafes and are suing for that amount, as well as interest.
In a statement to the outlet, Ken claimed he “wasn’t aware of the lawsuit” but assured that if he owes money to anyone, he’ll “make sure his accountants get WCP paid.”
Last summer, Lisa and her husband announced Villa Blanca would be shut down for good but were hopeful Pump would eventually reopen.
Despite the restaurant having a large outside patio – which takes up 90% of the eatery, Pump did not reopen when Los Angeles county allowed outdoor dining to resume months ago and still remains closed.
The establishment has been famously featured on the Bravo hit Vanderpump Rules since the first season.
In September, the reality star – who is thought to be worth $90 million – opened up about her finances during an episode of Lala Kent and Randall Emmett‘s podcast.
While fans of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills would always describe Lisa as being very wealthy, the restauranteur said she lost a lot of money because of the pandemic.
Lisa explained: “Five months of paying rent and insurance, and having no business is taxing, stretching, [has been] a bit of a nightmare.
“But we’ll get back on track soon. When we do decide to open, we have good-sized patios. Pump is 90 percent garden.
“So we are very fortunate with that but we’ve just been waiting for it to be safe.”
However, she recently scored a big payday as the British beauty is set to host a new reality show on E! where she throws wild soirées for celebrity guests.
E! released a teaser for the reality star’s new show, called Overserved, which is set to premiere on March 18th at 9 pm.
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As she sat poised on a silver Queen’s chair in a purple room as she spoke to the camera: “Well, hello. I’m inviting you to an intimate dinner party.
“And for it to be perfect, I have a few rules. You gotta bust your butt for the decor to be absolutely fabulous.
“The guests should be naughty. But the hostess should always be naughtier. This dinner party rules.”