The Sweetest Deal: 7 Surprising Facts About Jeffrey Dean Morgan's Candy Shop Empire

Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s involvement in a quaint, small-town candy shop is one of Hollywood’s best-kept, sweetest secrets. As of today, December 12, 2025, the beloved establishment known as Samuel’s Sweet Shop continues to thrive, not just as a local staple in Rhinebeck, New York, but as a passion project for Morgan and his famous friends. This is far more than a simple celebrity investment; it is a heartwarming tale of community preservation, deep friendship, and a shared love for nostalgic sweet treats.

The shop, which has been a fixture in the Hudson Valley for decades, was famously saved from closure by Morgan and his co-owners in 2014. The full story of its rescue, the complete list of celebrity and local owners, and the unique confections that keep fans flocking to the store reveal a side of the Walking Dead star that is surprisingly charming and deeply rooted in his adopted home.

The Star-Studded Ownership: A Full List of Samuel’s Sweet Shop Proprietors

The story of Samuel's Sweet Shop is inseparable from the late Ira Gutner, the original owner who founded the boutique candy and coffee shop in 1994, naming it after his son, Samuel. Following Gutner’s unexpected passing in 2014, the shop faced an uncertain future. To prevent a beloved community institution from closing, a group of local residents and friends stepped in to purchase and preserve it.

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The ownership group is larger than most people realize, featuring several high-profile celebrities and key local figures who are crucial to the shop's operation and success.

• Jeffrey Dean Morgan: The actor, best known for playing Negan in The Walking Dead and Dean Winchester’s father in Supernatural, is one of the primary faces of the business. His favorite candy is reportedly chocolate-covered Swedish fish.
• Hilarie Burton Morgan: Morgan's wife, an actress and producer known for One Tree Hill, is deeply involved in the shop’s day-to-day operations and community events, often promoting the store and its mission.
• Paul Rudd: The "ageless wonder" and Ant-Man star, who is also a long-time Rhinebeck resident, was instrumental in the initial purchase and remains a key partner.
• Julie Rudd: Paul Rudd’s wife, who is also an active co-owner, making the purchase a joint effort between two celebrity couples.
• Andy Ostroy: A filmmaker and producer who is part of the core ownership group.
• Pheobe Jonas: A local figure and co-owner who helps manage the business.
• John Traver: Another key local co-owner, ensuring the shop maintains its community focus.

5 Fascinating Secrets Behind the Celebrity-Owned Local Staple

Samuel’s Sweet Shop is not merely a novelty; it is a fully functioning, award-winning business that has become a major tourist draw for the Hudson Valley. Its success lies in a blend of celebrity charm, genuine community spirit, and a commitment to quality sweet treats.

1. The Rescue Mission Was a Spontaneous Act of Friendship

The decision to buy the shop was a rapid and heartfelt response to tragedy. When original owner Ira Gutner passed away suddenly in 2014, the community was devastated and feared losing the beloved establishment. Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who was a close friend of Gutner’s, immediately called Paul Rudd, a fellow Rhinebeck resident, to discuss saving the store. The two actors, along with their wives and other partners, quickly banded together to purchase the business to preserve Ira’s legacy and keep the town’s “heart” beating.

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2. It’s More Than Just Candy—It’s a Coffee House and Bakery

While the name suggests a focus on candy, Samuel’s Sweet Shop is a multi-faceted boutique. The store is famous for its vast selection of nostalgic candies, bulk sweets, and handmade chocolates, but it also operates as a thriving coffee shop and bakery. Visitors can enjoy freshly brewed coffee, delicious baked goods, and local vendor sweets, making it a perfect spot for morning commuters and afternoon treat seekers alike.

3. The Owners Are Truly Hands-On (and Have Their Own Samplers)

Unlike many celebrity-backed ventures, the owners of Samuel’s are genuinely involved. Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Hilarie Burton live on a nearby farm and are often spotted in the shop, interacting with customers and even working behind the counter. Furthermore, the store capitalizes on the owners' personal tastes. You can purchase a "Paul's Favorites Sampler," which features a curated selection of Paul Rudd’s go-to salty, sweet, and crunchy picks, including clodhoppers and candy blocks. Morgan's favorite, chocolate-covered Swedish fish, is also a highly sought-after item.

4. The Shop Has Won Major Local Awards

The quality of the offerings at Samuel's Sweet Shop is not just based on celebrity hype. The shop has earned genuine recognition within the Hudson Valley business community. It has received awards, including the "Best Dessert" award from the Rhinebeck Chamber of Commerce’s Taste of Rhinebeck event, proving its commitment to high-quality, delicious products beyond the novelty of its famous owners.

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5. It’s a Major Hub for Pop Culture Crossovers

The shop frequently leverages its owners' celebrity connections for unique merchandise and publicity. For instance, Jeffrey Dean Morgan has used his appearances on talk shows, such as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, to promote the store by bringing baskets of treats for the host. The shop has also featured limited-edition items, such as Rice Crispy Treats, molded to feature the likeness of Jeffrey Dean Morgan, turning a simple sweet into a collectible piece of pop culture memorabilia.

How Samuel’s Sweet Shop Maintains Its Small-Town Charm

Despite its co-owners being global celebrities, Samuel's Sweet Shop has successfully maintained its identity as a welcoming, small-town boutique. The atmosphere is one of deliberate nostalgia, designed to evoke the joy and simplicity of a classic candy store experience.

The shop’s location at 43 East Market Street in Rhinebeck, NY, places it right in the heart of the historic Hudson Valley village, a community known for its charm, independent businesses, and vibrant local life. The owners’ primary intention was never to turn it into a high-end, exclusive venture but to keep it accessible and affordable for the local families who have relied on it for generations. This commitment to community is the true secret ingredient that makes Samuel's Sweet Shop a successful and enduring enterprise.

By focusing on nostalgic candy, supporting local vendors, and offering a warm, inviting space, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Hilarie Burton, Paul Rudd, and the rest of the ownership team have ensured that Ira Gutner’s legacy lives on, proving that sometimes, the sweetest deals are the ones that save a town's history.