‘Vanderpump Rules’ Katie Maloney and Ariana Madix Explain Why Chef Penny Was Fired!

‘Vanderpump Rules’ Katie Maloney and Ariana Madix Explain Why Chef Penny Was Fired!

Katie Maloney and Ariana Madix revealed they experienced “salary” conflicts with chef/consultant Penny Davidi, which led to her exit from their West Hollywood sandwich shop, Something About Her.

On the April 30th episode of Vanderpump Rules, Lisa Vanderpump stops by the still-unfinished shop. Katie and Ariana share with Lisa that the agreement with Penny involved “to be paid a salary and … a percentage,” clarifying that the operation of Something About Her was never envisioned as a “three musketeers,” deal. This discussion happened amid assurances from Katie that the shop would open “very, very soon.”

During Season 11, Penny was actively involved in guiding Katie Maloney and Ariana Madix through critical staffing and menu decisions for their upcoming sandwich shop. However, on the April 19 broadcast of Popping Off With Teddi Mellencamp and Emily Simpson podcast — Katie revealed that Penny was no longer associated with the venture.

“Ultimately it wasn’t the right fit,” Katie explained, indicating that compensation issues also played a role in their decision to sever ties with Penny.

In a revealing moment from the show, when Lisa Vanderpump visited the shop, she commented on the situation, mentioning that Katie and Ariana had ceased communication with Penny, “You guys aren’t speaking to her,” Lisa observed.

“There’s a lot of missing pieces,” Ariana responded, as she and Katie emphasized their sole ownership of the business. “This isn’t, like, the three of us as ‘The Three Musketeers,'” Ariana clarified.

Lisa appeared surprised by the clarification of Penny’s role, reacting, “Oh, she’s not going to be a partner?”

Katie Maloney detailed the initial agreement with Penny during their collaboration on the sandwich shop. “She proposed she would like to be paid a salary and then, like, a percentage that she would want,” Katie explained during an interview, adding that they had forwarded these terms to their lawyer.

Ariana Madix supported Katie’s remarks, noting, “She receives a salary and then we offered, on the back end, 10% of profits from this location. That’s a great deal.” Lisa Vanderpump, who was part of the conversation, recalled Penny being agreeable to these terms, mentioning, “she’d be OK with that.”

However, the dynamics of the agreement shifted unexpectedly, mirroring the fast-changing preferences of customers—from a Greek salad sandwich to a croissant, both items planned for the menu. “But now she’s saying she’s not,” Ariana clarified, indicating a change in Penny’s stance.

Katie further revealed the role they initially envisioned for Penny. “We originally had brought Penny on to be our COO and head of back of house. But we are having a little trouble seeing eye to eye on what her role will be in our business.”

Lisa Vanderpump, probing deeper into the situation, asked, “Do you want to part ways?” She also expressed concern that without resolving these issues, the shop “will just never open.”

Ariana’s response, “That’s kind of what we’re trying to figure out right now,” underscored the uncertainty surrounding Penny’s involvement and the future of the business — issues that have now evidently led to Penny’s departure. 

 

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