Lammes Candies, which first opened in 1885, will shut all of its Texas location
Credit: Jay Janner/The Austin American-Statesman via Getty (2)
NEED TO KNOW
- Six of seven Lammes Candies stores are closing, with the final Austin location staying open until stock runs out
- The family-owned business, known for its Texas Chewie Pecan Praline, has operated since 1885 across five generations
- Fans expressed sadness on social media, sharing memories of the historic candy shop and its handcrafted treats
A beloved chain of Texas candy stores is set to close its doors for good.
Six of the seven branches of Lammes Candies are closing, with the final branch, located on Airport Boulevard in Austin, remaining open until it runs out of product, the company confirmed in a statement posted to Instagram on Wednesday, April 29.
The chain confirmed to TODAY.com that the move was caused by “unprecedented economic pressures,” noting on Instagram that online sales will also continue while stock remains available.
The family-run historic chain has existed since 1885 and is known for its handcrafted treats, such as chocolate, pecan and caramel Longhorns, and chocolate-dipped strawberries. The company's bestseller was the Texas Chewie Pecan Praline, which was first produced in 1892.
Credit: Jay Janner/The Austin American-Statesman via Getty
Per its statement on Instagram, the company has “carefully evaluated shifts in the marketplace and the long-term sustainability of its operations,” and “after thoughtful consideration, ownership has made the difficult decision to cease operations.”
"This was not an easy decision," the company's ownership team said, adding, "Lammes Candies has been more than a business-it has been a family legacy spanning generations. We are deeply grateful to our employees, customers, and community for their unwavering support over the past 141 years."
The company also noted that it would be “supporting employees through the transition process,” as they “wind down” operations.
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“Lammes Candies extends its heartfelt appreciation to its dedicated staff, loyal customers, and the broader community who have been part of its journey for more than a century,” the company concluded.
Fans of the historic store were quick to express their sadness at the decision on social media and share their own memories of shopping at Lammes. One commenter posted, “The best candy shop! My family has always had your delicious candies ever since I was little. So sad to hear this news.”
Credit: Jay Janner/The Austin American-Statesman via Getty
“I've gifted Lammes candy to friends, family, and acquaintances from all over the world for as long as I've lived in Austin (24 years now). Thank you for all you've given Austin. We will surely and sorely miss you!” another added, while a third person wrote, "Noooo I'm heart broken 😫 I came here with my dad as a kid to get your turtles and I've kept the tradition alive bringing my husband to indulge in the sweetness and always getting your chocolate covered strawberries for Valentine's Day – you will be so missed 💔."
According to its website, the company was founded by William Wirt Lamme in 1878 as Red Front Candy Factory in Austin. Lamme lost the business in a poker game in 1885, but his son, David Turner Lamme, Sr., repaid the $800 gambling debt and reclaimed the business.
Lammes Candies officially opened on July 10, 1885, and has been family-owned and operated since. The store initially sold ice cream before expanding to chocolates in 1965. The company has been owned by siblings Pam, Bryan, and Lana Lamme since 2004, the fifth generation of the family to run it.
PEOPLE has reached out to Lammes Candies, but didn't immediately receive a response.
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