Kyle Cooke is no stranger to sharing the highs and lows of running a business. The “Summer House” star recently opened up about the financial realities behind Loverboy. He admitted he once took out a “massive loan” while building the beverage brand with ex-wife Amanda Batula.
Kyle Cooke discusses Loverboy’s financial challenges and the realities of entrepreneurship
Speaking to Us Weekly alongside former co-star Carl Radke, Cooke explained why he has always chosen to be transparent about Loverboy’s ups and downs on Summer House.
“When reality television is done right, you’re open. You’re honest. I would also say vulnerable,” Cooke said. “I’m just gonna… talk about some of the challenges in a way that hopefully people can understand.”
He quickly acknowledged that not everyone can relate to his situation. “Hopefully not everybody’s taking out a massive loan in their name,” he added.
Cooke launched Loverboy in 2020 with Batula. Over the years, “Summer House” has documented the company’s rapid growth and financial setbacks. It also showed the strain the business placed on both their marriage and Cooke’s friendship with Radke. The former couple separated in January 2026.
Despite those challenges, Cooke said Loverboy continues to push forward in a competitive industry. “The beverage industry is a very challenging industry,” he explained. “We’re still fighting and we’re still surviving, thanks to our diehard fans.”
He also said one of his proudest achievements was turning an idea into a nationally recognized brand that even attracted international interest.
Meanwhile, Radke reflected on his own venture, Soft Bar + Café, the nonalcoholic social space he opened in Brooklyn last year. He admitted the business faced setbacks but said every challenge has helped the team improve.
Looking back on his entrepreneurial journey, Cooke offered simple advice for anyone hoping to launch a business. “Don’t quit your day job,” he said, urging aspiring founders to build their companies while maintaining financial stability. He added that entrepreneurs need to accept long hours and uncertainty before leaving steady employment.
The longtime friends also discussed the risks of hiring friends, reading customer reviews, and handling criticism. Cooke encouraged business owners to stay open to constructive feedback while learning when to ignore outside noise and trust their instincts.
The conversation also hinted at a possible future collaboration. Cooke revealed that he and Radke recently discussed creating a co-branded nonalcoholic spritz featuring functional ingredients, though he stressed the idea remains in the early planning stages.
TELL US: DO YOU THINK KYLE COOKE HAS BEEN OPEN ENOUGH ABOUT LOVERBOY’S FINANCIAL STRUGGLES ON SUMMER HOUSE?
Originally reported by Shweta Chakrawarty on Reality Tea
