Iconic sweet shop closing down – family business since 1885 | World | News
The beloved family-owned candy store, founded in 1885, has announced it will be closing its doors permanently. Lammes Candies, one of Austin’s longest-running businesses, cited changing market conditions and long-term sustainability concerns as the reason behind the shock closure.
Lammes Candies, famous for its delicious handmade desserts, has decided that after five generations it is time to cease operations. The beloved candy store, founded 141 years ago, has confirmed that it will close all of its retail locations, even though it is the final closing date for its flagship store at 5330 Airport Blvd. It has not yet been determined in Austin. The company closed its Round Rock location last week, April 24.
“This was not an easy decision,” co-owner Lana K. Schmidt said in a statement. “Lammes Candies was much more than a business – it was a family legacy that spanned generations.
“We are deeply grateful to our employees, customers, and community for their unwavering support over the past 141 years.”
Schmidt continued: “The economy, you know, raw materials are increasing, labor is increasing, just everything is increasing. There’s not a huge margin in confectionery, but the bottom line is we need to spend time with our grandchildren.”
“I think we’ve built a legacy for the community. I mean, we had the first neon sign. I mean, there’s a lot of firsts in Austin with lights. I know people are going to miss this sweet treat, these traditions. And we’re going to miss the community.”
Lammes Candys says employees will be supported through this difficult transition. The company will now begin winding down its historic business and remaining orders will be fulfilled.
The candy store is known for its Texas Chewy Pecan Pralines, which were first introduced in 1892. According to the company’s website, “Texas Chewy” remains the best-selling product, with a daily production of nearly 2,000 pounds. Six years ago, Lammes Candies operated seven locations in the Texas Hill Country, according to its website.
Neighborhood residents were quick to express their sadness. “I moved here about five years ago. I came here because I saw that it was one of the oldest places in Austin. I said, ‘I want to be involved in that,'” Hannah Burwell said.
Another added: “No! Best Pralines and Longhorns! We often order Lammes to ship as gifts to family and friends out of state. And of course, we order a box for ourselves, too.”
