Amanda Batula is always down for a Bravo crossover.
The 33-year-old reality star opened up about which Vanderpump Rules star would be a great addition to the Summer House cast while chatting exclusively with Parade amid her partnership with Marshalls and their first-of-its-kind pop-up lounge at JFK Airport’s Terminal 4.
“People were loving Tom Schwartz coming to the house,” Batula tells Parade. “I mean, he was great. We did Winter House with him. He's come to the house before, so he just really seamlessly fits in, and I think he really enjoyed himself, and he's hilarious.”
She adds: “So I could see that being a good fit for sure. And he's single, I think, and we love a single guy.”
Schwartz, 42, appeared in multiple episodes in Season 9 of the long-running reality series, which is currently airing. He also was featured on Season 3 of the show’s spinoff, Winter House, which aired in 2023 and was filmed shortly after Scandoval made headlines.
In addition to talking all things Summer House, Batula tells Parade that partnering with Marshalls for their latest innovation — their Upgrade Lounge at JFK Airport and The Upgrade Shop — was an easy yes, thanks to her longtime love of the catch-all store, which offers everything from home decor and clothing to beauty goods and more.
“This was such a full-circle moment for me to be back with Marshalls, but the Upgrade Lounge is an incredible concept, and it takes that accessibility and brings it to everyone,” she says of the pop-up lounge, which delivers a premium airport experience sans the first-class ticket. “It’s access to everything. Better, better quality, better experiences, better value.”
She continues: “There is a cute beauty bar. There are drinks. They're giving away little kits while supplies last, and everything is free, so you can go in. You don't need a first-class ticket like you would for a typical lounge. You don't need some sort of membership. None of that stuff. It's all available to everyone, which I think is the most important part, and that's sort of what Marshalls stands for, is that accessibility without having to compromise.”
In addition to the lounge, Batula is also spearheading a soon-to-launch shoppable edit, The Upgrade Shop, on Marshalls.com, which features her favorite spring/summer fashion and travel must-haves.
The Upgrade Lounge will be open at JFK Airport's Terminal 4 from Wednesday, May 21, to May 28 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m.
