Who is Matthew Morton? Rebecca Gayheart’s date Peter Morton’s only surviving son was linked to Sofia Richie 

Grand Opening Party for Harry Morton
Matthew Morton and Peter Morton during grand opening party for Harry Morton's Pink Taco in Century City - Source: Getty

Rebecca Gayheart was recently spotted with businessman Peter Morton on a date night outside E Baldi restaurant in Beverly Hills.

According to a report in People magazine, the two were seen leaving the restaurant holding arms as they held each other close. They have been romantically linked since 2023, but have yet to address their relationship publicly.

Gayheart shares kids Billie and Georgia with her estranged husband, Eric Dane. Morton, who cofounded the Hard Rock Café chain with his friend Isaac Tigrett. He is the son of the late Arnie Morton, founder of the Morton’s Steakhouse chain.

Morton was the father of Harry Morton, who founded Pink Taco restaurants and was once linked to Lindsay Lohan. His two other children are Matthew and Grace Morton. Reports suggest that Matthew is now an entrepreneur based in West Hollywood, California. He is best known as the founder of Happy Hour Tequila Seltzer and Cha Cha Matcha.

Continue to read for more information.


All we know about Matthew Morton and his connection to Sofia Richie

Despite his family’s wealthy background, Matthew Morton has carved his own path by founding Happy Hour Tequila Seltzer, a drink that's a fitting choice for health-conscious individuals.

Talking about what inspired him to take the journey of an entrepreneur, he told Bristol Farms in an interview:

“Honestly, I work a lot but because I’m passionate about what Happy Hour is today and what it can become. I grew up with a family of people driven to create brands that can withstand time and I’m excited to be doing the same. Still, I do my best to turn off when I can, enjoy my friends, and find happy moments with those around me.”

The New York University graduate is also the founder of another brand, Cha Cha Matcha, a matcha tea brand that focuses on sustainability. He cofounded the company with Conrad Sandelman. They opened their first outlet in 2016 on Broome Street in Nolita in New York City. A year after they graduate from NYU. According to his LinkedIn profile, Morton holds a degree in Business Administration.

Natural Resources Defense Council's 20th Anniversary Celebration - Inside - Source: Getty
Natural Resources Defense Council's 20th Anniversary Celebration - Inside - Source: Getty

Matthew Morton has been private about his personal life. However, he was linked to model Sofia Richie in the past and also had a brief romance with model Bella Hadid. In 2020, US Weekly confirmed Matthew Morton’s relationship with Bella Hadid. A source told the outlet:

“They’re trying not to make a big deal about their relationship or about how serious it is. But they are definitely seeing each other.”

Morton and Richie sparked relationship rumors when they were spotted on a dinner date at Nobu in Malibu. The model was dressed in an all-black ensemble and a leather jacket, while her new boyfriend was seen in a tan coat, a white T-shirt and dark pants.

Peter Mortan welcomed Matthew Morton and his daughter, Grace Morton, with his second wife, Tarlton Pauley. They were married from 1990 to 1997. His daughter, Grace, is a socialite who married film producer Matt Budman.

He had an older son, Harry Morton, from his first marriage to model Paulene Stone. Harry reportedly died of cardiac arrest in 2019 at his home in Beverly Hills, California. In an emotional message posted on his social media, Matthew Morton described Harry as his “best friend,” his “second father”, and urged heart health awareness.

Love movies? Try our Box Office Game and Movie Grid Game to test your film knowledge and have some fun!

Edited by Aastha Dass