**Beloved Austin Confectionery Lammes Candies Set to Make a Comeback**
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Lammes Candies, a cherished staple in Texas confectionery, has announced its revival after a brief closure earlier this year. The much-loved candy shop, founded in 1885 in the heart of Austin, will return under new ownership in April 2026, thanks to Delightful Development Co., led by Craig Cavileer and Kayla Wilkie-Kinne.
In April 2026, the original owners declared that the family-run business would close its doors permanently, raising concerns among locals and candy enthusiasts alike. However, on September 29, Delightful Development Co. confirmed that they would be taking over operations, ensuring that the shop’s legacy and signature treats will endure.
Cavileer and Wilkie-Kinne, who previously revitalised the Fort Worth Stockyards, expressed their commitment to preserving the essence of Lammes Candies. “Our vision isn’t to change what Lammes Candies is known for,” Wilkie-Kinne stated. “It’s to bring back the legacy recipes, traditions, and heritage that made Lammes so special for 141 years.”
Wilkie-Kinne further emphasised the importance of the candy shop to Texas history, stating, “Lammes Candies is more than a confection and candy company. It’s a significant piece of Texas history that Craig and I will honour, preserve, and celebrate with future generations of Texans and customers around the country.”
Among the signature offerings set to return are the popular Chewie Pecan Pralines, Longhorns, and Sherbet Mints. Some customers will even be able to place orders with the original packaging, prior to the shop’s rebranding efforts. This return is not only a celebration of the institution itself but also an acknowledgement of consumer nostalgia and a commitment to bring back beloved local flavours.
The storied history of Lammes Candies began when David T. Lamme Sr. opened the doors to the shop, located just a short walk from the Texas State Capitol. One of the brand’s hallmark confections, the heavy pecan pralines, was first introduced in 1895, using pecans sourced from trees along the nearby Colorado River.
To resolve any potential confusion regarding its name, Lammes Candies adopted a lamb logo in its branding, which has become synonymous with the store. By 1956, the business had expanded to include a factory on Airport Boulevard, complete with an iconic neon lamb sign and a striking striped candy cane pole. Over the decades, three generations of the Lamme family dedicated themselves to building a company that has become intrinsic to the framework of Texas’ sweet heritage.
In 1965, the third generation of the family, David Lamme Teich, shifted the focus from ice cream to a broader range of confections and specialty chocolates, further solidifying Lammes Candies’ reputation. Iconic creations flourished, including the famous Longhorn, a blend of pecans, chewy caramel, and fine chocolate, along with the brand’s distinguished Texas trio: Longhorns, Choc’Adillos, and Cashew Critters.
Despite its rich history and expansive range of over 1,000 confectionery products, the company announced its closure earlier this year, citing “shifts in the marketplace and the long-term sustainability of its operations” as contributing factors to the decision. However, with the announcement of new ownership, hope has rekindled amongst fans of the iconic shop.
Although the physical store’s reopening remains uncertain, Lammes Candies will initially be available for online orders. Preorders are currently open, with nationwide delivery set to commence on November 1, further extending the reach of these beloved treats. There are plans for retail distribution across Texas, although specifics regarding a potential brick-and-mortar return have yet to be disclosed.
In anticipation of this celebrated comeback, both old patrons and new customers can look forward to relishing in the nostalgic tastes that have defined a cornerstone of Texas sweets for over a century. The return of Lammes Candies not only marks the revival of a cherished local brand but also the continuation of a rich tradition that has brought joy to countless generations of Texans.