Lammes Candies, a beloved Austin institution known for its signature Texas Chewie Pecan Pralines and Longhorn candies, is closing its doors after 141 years in business — marking the end of one of the city’s oldest family-run companies.

The announcement signals the conclusion of a legacy deeply woven into Austin’s culture, where generations of locals have associated the brand with holidays, family traditions, and classic handmade sweets.

Owners cited “changing market conditions” and concerns about the long-term sustainability of the business as the primary reasons for the closure. According to a notice shared at the Round Rock location — which closed on April 24 — the company’s flagship store on Airport Boulevard will remain open for a limited time, giving customers one last opportunity to purchase their favorite treats before the final shutdown.

Lammes’ story dates back to the late 19th century, when founder William Wirt Lamme first arrived in Austin and launched a candy business that would eventually become a local landmark. Despite early setbacks — including losing the original shop in a poker game — the business was reclaimed by his family and remained under continuous family ownership for well over a century.

Over the decades, Lammes expanded across Austin, becoming widely recognized for its handmade confections. Its Texas Chewie Pecan Pralines, first introduced in 1892 using locally sourced pecans, and its iconic Longhorn candies became staples for both residents and visitors. The company also built a reputation for seasonal favorites, especially its chocolate-covered strawberries for Valentine’s Day.

Beyond its products, Lammes held a special place in the community. For many Austinites, visiting the shop was as much about tradition as it was about candy — from holiday gift boxes to childhood memories of walking through its doors. Former employees and longtime customers have shared stories of decades-long careers, family milestones, and the unmistakable aroma that defined the store experience.

That sense of loyalty extended to its workforce. Many employees spent decades with the company, including Mildred Hamilton Walston, who worked at Lammes for more than 75 years and described it as her “second family.”

As the company prepares to close, it leaves behind not just a business legacy, but a cultural one — a reminder of a time when local shops helped shape the identity and traditions of a growing city.