Historic Austin candy maker Lammes Candies to Close All Locations After 141 Years in Business
Lammes Candies, a family-owned Austin confectionery business founded in 1885, has announced it will cease operations after more than a century as one of the city's longest-running retail establishments.
The company, known for its Texas Chewie Pecan Pralines and Longhorn candies, cited changing market conditions and concerns over long-term sustainability as the reasons for the shutdown.
The closure affects all retail locations of Lammes Candies. The Round Rock store inside The Market of Round Rock closed on April 24, 2026, after a sign informed customers of the decision.
The flagship store and manufacturing facility at 5330 Airport Boulevard in Austin remains open for now, with online ordering available as inventory lasts.
Co-owner Lana Schmidt confirmed to local outlets that all retail sites will shut down, though an exact date for the final closure of the Airport Boulevard location has not been set.
In a statement shared through company channels and reported by multiple Texas news organizations, ownership described the move as difficult.
"This was not an easy decision," said the company's ownership team.
The business plans an orderly wind-down that includes fulfilling remaining orders and supporting employees during the transition.
Family members have spoken publicly about the pressures that led to the closure. Schmidt told reporters that rising costs for premium ingredients, particularly chocolate, and labor made it unsustainable to maintain the quality standards the company built its reputation on.
"We could choose to make a less quality product, not use the premium chocolate, not use the premium pecans, but we want our legacy to be quality, so we are choosing not to go that route," she said in an interview with KXAN.
Lammes Candies opened in 1885 and operated continuously under family ownership for 141 years. It became a Central Texas institution, supplying signature treats for holidays and local traditions.
At its peak the chain ran several locations, though it had already scaled back in recent years. The flagship store on Airport Boulevard houses both retail and production, a setup that will end with the wind-down.
As of April 29 and 30, 2026, reports indicate the company will continue operations at the remaining Austin site at least through Mother's Day, when it plans to offer its annual chocolate-covered strawberries.
Customers have responded by visiting the store in increased numbers since the announcement spread over the weekend.
No plans for the brand's recipes, manufacturing equipment, or intellectual property have been made public.
The closure leaves Austin without one of its most familiar old-line retail brands while the company works through remaining orders and keeps the flagship open a little longer for customers who still want to buy in person.
Ownership has emphasized preserving the quality associated with the Lammes name throughout the final period of sales. The Airport Boulevard location continues to serve customers while supplies remain.
