It began in 1994 with a dream. Ira Gutner packed his bags, left a successful career in New York City’s Garment District and moved upstate to open Samuel’s of Rhinebeck, a boutique candy and coffee shop in the heart of bucolic Dutchess County. Ira named his shop after his late Uncle Sam who introduced him as a boy to penny candy.
Ira’s sudden passing in April 2014 left the Rhinebeck community stunned and heartbroken.
Just when it appeared that Samuel’s might have to close, three local families who knew and loved Ira and the shop stepped forward. As friends, they all shared a deep passion for Samuel’s and what it meant to Rhinebeck – so they bought it!
Today we are known as Samuel’s Sweet Shop, and while our name has changed a little, our commitment to providing our customers the very best in candy, chocolate, coffee & tea, baked goods and other delicious treats hasn’t changed one bit.
