As Willy Shakespeare once said, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.” Even though Bravo fans may not be well-versed in the complete works of the English bard, loyalist fans are aware that some of the network’s personalities are quirky names for the side hustles. And while I love a good play on words sometimes some of the names just left me scratching my head. Here’s where our Bravolebrity Brand Names come into play.
Austen Kroll: Trop Hop
Austen Kroll released his IPA beer in 2020. With a tropical undertone, the drink was pished as the perfect summer pairing for any BBQ. But with a name like Trop Hop, I thought the cans should be well-stocked on a holiday fishing vessel anchored within the waters of Charleston. However odd the name, Trop Hop has become a staple in Charleston and Charlotte bars. So, the Southern Charm star must be doing something right.
Austen went into the business with more background than most, thanks to his degree in entrepreneurship. He also worked within the beer industry for a few years before starring on the reality TV show. Austen and his business partner created the name. The duo wanted a name that signified the beer’s tropical fruit undertones, and the Trop Hop was born.
Tom Sandoval: Tom’s Good Lovin’ alcohol
The villain of Vanderpump Rules has a lot going on in the background. Between his two bars, cover band, and TV stint, it was surprising that Tom Sandoval wanted to come up with his own whiskey. After some research, my understanding is that the drink is a unique blend of bourbon: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley, and a touch of port wine to add a bit of character to the bourbon. Sandy also collaborated with his best bud, Tom Schwartz.
While speaking with Us Weekly, Sandoval hinted that while he came up with their bar name, Schwartz and Sandy, Schwartzy landed on the bourbon name. T Schwaz shared that he “took a sip, and I was like, ‘Dude, that’s good lovin’. And he’s like, ‘We should call it that.'”
Bethenny Frankel: SkinnyGirl
As we all know, thanks to Sonja Morgan’s copycat drink, Bethenny Frankel does not like anyone encroaching on her territory regarding her business. The former Real Housewives of New York City created her pre-packaged margarita line, Skinnygirl Margarita, back in 2009. The name has sparked controversy, with some wondering if it causes body issues among young women. Bethenny stands behind her product.
However, Bethnny told NCA’s State of the Industry panel that she intentionally put “skinny” and “girl” together. For Bethenny, the product is meant to be “flirtatious” and “inspirational.” Whatever the truth, Bethenny is laughing all the way to the bank after selling her business for $100 million.
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The restaurant venture, which Lisa Vanderpump shares, is named after two morons. It is almost as if both Schwartz and Sandy (for both of their bars) forgot their names and wanted a quick reminder when it came to signing all the checks. The duo were popular in the series as they had always been seen together. So, it just seemed to make sense to market them as a brand.
Austen and Craig Conover’s new bar: By the Way
There isn’t a lot of information about why Craig Conover and Austen decided to name their new bar, By the Way. But it does feel like they were trying to piggyback off Something About Her. The boys have stated that their vibe will be a local “neighborhood tavern” with good food and drinks. I can only think that the guys were up brainstorming one night, and one was like, “Oh, by the way, let’s grab a drink,” and thus, a star was born. Hopefully, the lads will show up to share some of their famous bar stories once it opens up in the fall.
Katie Maloney and Ariana Madix: Something About Her
Vanderpump Rules fans have been salivating at the idea of Ariana Madix and Katie Maloney’s sandwich shop, Something About Her, finally opening. The ladies have teased good food and a vibe straight out of Nancy Meyer’s movie. Fans were left a bit confused but soon jumped on board when they embraced the Something’s Gotta Give feel.
TELL US – WHICH BRAVO BRAND NAMES LEFT YOU THE MOST CONFUSED?
