Lammes Candies has been delighting generations in the heart of Texas with our delectable confections since 1885. With a history as rich and flavorful as our signature pralines, Lammes Candies stands as a testament to the enduring power of family, tradition, and the irresistible allure of sweetness. Join us on a journey through the storied past of this beloved candy company, discover our most cherished treats, and learn what makes Lammes Candies a true Texas treasure.

Lammes Candies' origins date back to a simpler time, when William Wirt Lamme, an industrious and imaginative Texan, opened his first candy shop in Austin and named it the Red Front Candy Factory. The year was 1878, and the bustling streets of Austin provided the perfect backdrop for Lamme's entrepreneurial spirit. This was during the time of cowboys, the wild west, and adventure. Saloons and shops lined the streets of downtown Austin. This is where William Lamme got into a small predicament just a few years into his candy-making business. The year was 1885. William Lamme was in a hot game of poker and, with a serious case of bad luck, lost the company with a bad hand. However, in a short turnaround that same year, his son David Turner Lamme Sr. came to Austin to repay the $800 gambling debt and reclaim the store as his own. Since 1885, Lammes Candies has been family-owned and operated, continuing the tradition of being passed down to the next generation. 

During the early years, Lammes mainly sold ice cream and gem (a frozen fruit dessert made from whole milk, similar to sherbet). The horse-drawn wagons that made their way up Congress Avenue from the rail station were emblazoned with: "Another carload of ice-cream cartons for Lammes." Sugar rationing during World War II caused both gem and ice cream to be briefly phased out until the end of the war. Unfortunately, neither gained much popularity back after the war. In 1965, David Lamme Teich discontinued production of the ice cream and Gem and expanded into the production of chocolate and confectionery. 

The company's current bestseller, the world-famous Texas “Chewie” Pecan Praline, was first produced by David Lamme, Sr., in 1892 after seven years of recipe tasting. The ingredients, and the secret recipe, are still the same today. In the beginning, pecans from the trees along the Colorado River in Austin were used to produce the praline. Lammes continues to follow this tradition today, using only Texas-sourced pecan companies.

At first, Lamme did not cook the pralines on a regular basis. Devotees would place their orders with him and he would produce the praline when he had enough requests to make the minimum batch of 25 pounds. He would then send handwritten messages to his customers, letting them know their orders were ready. Visitors to Austin wanted to be placed on the special list of preferred customers, which resulted in the establishment of the mail order division and the production of the pralines for the public during the 1920's.

Today, the Lamme family continues the legacy of world-famous confections. Lammes Candies is now a full-line candy company offering more than 1,000 items. The "Texas Chewie Pecan Praline'' is still the number one selling product with over 2,000 pounds produced daily. 

Lammes Candies chocolate history began in the 1960's, but the history of chocolate goes much further back to around 4,000 years ago. The history of chocolate as we know it began in ancient Mesoamerica, in present-day Mexico, and the Central American region. The people of the region used the cacao plant to make chocolate and drink it during rituals as well as for medicinal purposes. Eventually, the cacao beans became so valuable that it was said they were even used as currency. 

The Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs all understood the importance of the cacao plant. When the Spanish arrived, they too enjoyed the bitter chocolate drink, but decided it needed to be sweeter. Some say the Spanish added vanilla, others say honey, but ultimately, they began to sweeten the chocolate. 

In the beginning, chocolate was only available to the aristocracy, but that soon changed during the Industrial Revolution. The process to make milk chocolate was created, and quickly swept across Europe. Back across the pond in Austin, TX, we were also creating some delicious chocolate creations. In the 1960’s, pecans and chewy caramel were added to premium chocolate to create the famous Longhorns. Later, Choc'Adillos were born by surrounding caramel with whole roasted almonds and covering them with milk chocolate. Finally, crunchy cashews were smothered in caramel and topped with chocolate to complete this Texas trio with the Cashew Critter. 

A variety of other confections added to the line have quickly become fan favorites. Lammes' candy kitchen lovingly prepares many more delightful chocolates, taffies, brittles, and other surprises, like divinity, to please the most discriminating of tastes. What started as a modest venture soon blossomed into a sweet sensation, thanks to the quality and care infused into each piece of candy.

One of the things that makes Lammes Candies so special is our deep connection to Texas. Just like that of the Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs, and their deep connection to cacao. The candies we create are a celebration of Texas flavors and traditions, from the pecans in our pralines to the cowboy-themed gift boxes we offer. This connection to Texas as part of our candy history is a source of pride for the Lamme family and a key part of our identity. 

Lammes Candies is more than just a company; it's a family, and we welcome every customer into that family with open arms. Whether you're a lifelong fan or a first-time visitor, you'll feel the warmth and hospitality that has made Lammes Candies a cherished part of the community. Our commitment to customer satisfaction is unwavering, and we will go above and beyond to make sure every experience is a sweet one.

Our online store is available 365 days a year, 24/7, to shop for delicious treats and Lammes chocolate. However, we can also take calls by phone (800) 252-1885 if you prefer. If you find yourself in town, you can take a stroll through our charming shops in Austin and sample the delicious confections. There's always room for a little more sweetness in life.