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The sweet shop of dreams

A tale of two actors and their showstopping business

Por hola.com

If you’ve been searching for the perfect sweet treats to share with all the family over Easter, look no further. Samuel’s Sweet Shop in Rhinebeck, New York is owned by none other than Hollywood stars Paul Rudd and Jeffrey Dean Morgan and sells a showstopping selection of confectionery. And there is a heart-warming story behind it. 

When Ira Gutner, the longtime owner of Samuel’s Sweet Shop, died in 2014, Rhinebeck locals feared that the establishment, which had been at the heart of the community for decades, would close down. But thanks to the generosity of local residents Paul, Jeffrey and their respective wives Julie Yaeger and Hilarie Burton, the shop is thriving once more. 

The town, located approximately two hours north of New York City, holds a special place in both Paul and Jeffrey’s hearts. Jeffrey, who was catapulted to stardom after his performance in the hugely successful series The Walking Dead, remarked on the area’s welcoming nature to the New York Post in 2020: “It’s the first time I’ve felt at home in my entire adult life. It’s a combination of the people and the scenery. It’s a different vibe from my 20 years in Los Angeles, when I didn’t even know my neighbours.” 

The sweet shop stocks a wide range of treats, from chocolates and sweets to pastries, and sells coffees and hot drinks on the side. It’s run by John Traver, a close friend of Ira Gutner, who has worked at the shop since he was 15, though Paul occasionally mans the till! Traver is eternally grateful that the community came together and saved the much-loved shop, telling USA Today: “There was triumph out of tragedy. I had lost my friend. But these really great people came forward and helped me and saved the local candy store and now I have this incredible opportunity to make this place as successful as I can, which is awesome.”

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The shop offers various sweet bundles perfect for the Easter holidays, or a monthly subscription for those who want their sugar fix delivered straight to their door. The ‘Paul’s Favorites Sampler’, which sells for $49.95, includes a Marshmallow Crispy Cake with a photo of the actor; Signature Bark, made from dark chocolate with cherries, almonds and sea salt; and Paul’s own top choice, Clodhoppers. Made of peanut butter, pretzel and graham cracker in milk chocolate these, according to the Clueless star, are “so delicious they actually make me angry”. 

There is also a mouth-watering array of Easter desserts, with classics such as Carrot Cake and Cheese Cake as well as Blueberry Crumb and Coconut Custard Pie. Yum! 

 
 

 

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