A homegrown family-owned chain of candy shops in Central Texas is reportedly closing its doors after more than 140 years in operation. The iconic Lammes Candies business will allegedly disappear in the near future, according to the Austin Business Journal.
Lammes Candies Round Rock reportedly closed on April 24, and its original location at 5330 Airport Boulevard will remain “a bit longer,” but it’s unclear when it will officially shutter. A letter that was reportedly posted outside the Round Rock location from the family behind Lammes Candies addressed the rumors that have been swirling online about the chain’s future, and dozens of residents were saddened by the loss of yet another beloved “old Austin” business.
In the letter, the family said they decided to close due to changing market conditions and long-term sustainability. MySA reached out to Lammes Candies for comment, but did not hear back at the time of publication.
Austinite Kristyn Villegas-Horn shared a photo of the letter in a Facebook group along with the news that the chain would be closing after 141 years. She claims her family went to the flagship store on Airport Boulevard and the employees there told her they weren’t sure when that location would close, but it could be before Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 10).
“I was born and raised in Austin and grew up going to Lammes and enjoying the Sherbet mints, chocolate-covered strawberries, Texas Chewy Pralines, and so much chocolate!” Villegas-Horn told MySA. “My mom, aunts and uncles used to go to the original location on Congress when they were growing up. It’s really sad that so many of the iconic places many of us grew up with are closing. Each time one does, we lose a part of our history!”
Reddit user cinemamama also shared a photo of the letter on the platform, which quickly garnered thousands of reactions online. Austin Redditor flikmybik wrote in part, “Lammes has been such an Austin institution for so long, its really sad to see them go. I remember going there as a kid and getting those Longhorns chocolates every Christmas. 141 years is an incredible run though. Gonna have to stop by and stock up before they close for good. Stuff like this just keeps disappearing and Austin loses a little more of its soul each time.”
Another Redditor wrote under the post, “Another domino falls in the old Austin scene.” Lammes Candies has been in Austin since 1885, according to its website. The shop is known for its Texas Chewie Pecan Praline, chocolate-covered almonds, pecans and cashews, giant chocolate-dipped strawberries and more.