Full Breakdown
Lammes Candies to Close After 141 Years in Austin
4/29/2026, 1:14:37 PM
Closure Announcement and Timeline
Lammes Candies announced that its Round Rock store closed on April 24 and that the flagship shop at 5330 Airport Boulevard will stay open “a bit longer” to let customers purchase remaining treats. No specific shutdown date for the flagship has been disclosed.
Historical Roots and Family Legacy
The candy business started in 1878 when William Wirt Lamme opened a shop in Austin. After losing it in a poker game, his son David Turner Lamme repurchased the store in 1885 for $800 and renamed it Lammes. The flagship opened in December 1956. Vice-president Lana Schmidt, a fifth-generation member, began working at age 12.
Economic Pressures Behind the Decision
Owners cited “changing market conditions and the long-term sustainability of our operations” as the main reason for closure. Rising raw-material and labor costs and confectionery margins have squeezed profitability, leading family to prioritize viability and time with grandchildren.
Official Statements from Lammes Candies
Lammes Candies announced the Round Rock store closed on April 24 and that the Airport Boulevard shop will stay open to clear inventory. The company said online sales will continue as locations wind down and thanked the community for a century of support.
Community Reaction
Long-time Austinites mourn the loss of a landmark. Residents recalled first visits and family traditions, noting they have stocked up on favorite treats before the brand disappears.
Key Data and Statistics
Lammes Candies operated for 141 years (1878-2024). Its flagship opened in 1956. Texas Chewie Pecan Praline debuted in 1892. Locations included Twin Oaks, Drag, Delwood Shopping Center, Barton Creek Square Mall, Anderson Lane, and Lakeline.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Sources concur on the Round Rock closure and reasons, but the shutdown date for the Airport Boulevard flagship and financial details remain undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “we have made the difficult decision to close our business.” — Sign at Round Rock store
- “The economy, you know, with the raw materials going up, labor is going, it's just everything is escalating. There's not a huge margin in confections, but the bottom line is we need to spend time with our grandchildren,” — Lana Schmidt, Vice President, Lammes Candies
- “I think we've built a legacy for the community. I mean we had the first neon sign. I mean there are a lot of firsts with lamps in Austin. I know people are gonna miss this sweet treat, this tradition of theirs. And so we will miss the community,” — Lana Schmidt
- “I first came here when I first moved to Austin. This was one of the first places I came to. I moved here about five years ago. And I came in because I saw that it was one of the oldest places in Austin. And I was like, I want to get in on that,” — Hannah Burwell, Austin resident
What’s Next
Lammes Candies urges customers to shop the Airport Boulevard store while inventory lasts and to order online. After inventory sells out, the company will cease retail operations, ending Austin’s oldest continuously run family candy business.
