In the heart of Texas, Lammes Candies has been delighting generations with our delectable confections since 1885. With a history as rich and flavorful as our signature pralines, the history of Lammes Candies stands as a testament to the enduring power of family, tradition, and the irresistible allure of sweetness. We want to share the history of Lammes Candies and our past, of how we became a beloved candy company and a Texas treasure.

Lammes Candies' origins date back to a simpler time, when William Wirt Lamme, an 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, a story that would become a central chapter in Lammes Candies’ history and a sweet piece of Texas candy history. 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 unfortunately lost the company with a bad hand and a serious case of bad luck. However, in a short turnaround that same year, his son David Turner Lamme Sr., came to Austin to repay the gambling debt of $800 and reclaim the store as his own. Since 1885, Lammes Candies has been owned and family-operated and continues 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). Horse-drawn wagons made their way up Congress Avenue from the rail station, emblazoned with: "Another carload of ice-cream cartons for Lammes." Sugar rationing during World War II caused ice cream and Gem to be phased out; however, soon after the end of the war, ice cream and Gem were started up again. 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. 

Lammes’ 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 are still the same today and that recipe that has been passed down for generations remains a secret to the family. 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 Texas sourced pecans.

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 1920s.

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. The history of our praline is much different from that of other pralines you might find elsewhere. Starting in the 1960s, 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 have been added to the line with the latest introduction of Kisses. 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.

Lammes Candies has remained a family-owned business, passing through five generations of the Lamme family, and has made Texas candy history. This continuity has allowed the company to maintain its commitment to quality and tradition while adapting to the changing tastes and preferences of each new era.

The family aspect of Lammes Candies is more than just a business model; it's a way of life. Each generation has brought its own touch, its own flair, and its own dedication to ensuring that Lammes Candies remains a household name in Texas and beyond. From the early days of hand-stirred caramel to the innovative flavors of today, the Lamme family's passion for candy making is evident in every bite.

At the heart of Lammes Candies' success lies our diverse and delightful array of candies. While we offer a wide variety of sweets, there are a few signature treats that have become synonymous with the Lammes name.

Texas Chewie Pecan Praline

Arguably the most famous of all Lammes Candies, the Texas Chewie Pecan Praline is a true Southern delight. Made with hearty pecans, these pralines are a harmonious blend of chewy and crunchy textures, with a rich, buttery flavor that lingers on the palate. The Texas Chewie Pecan Praline is more than just a candy; it's a bite of Texas tradition, a reminder of warm summer days and the simple joys of life.

Peppermint Kisses

A year-round favorite, Lammes Candies' Peppermint Kisses are a delightful mix of creamy, refreshing peppermint. These candies capture the spirit of the holiday season as well, making them a beloved treat for generations of families. The cool, minty flavor paired with more firmness than that of salt water taffy leaves a bite that's hard to resist coming back for more. 

Longhorns

Our #1 selling chocolate confection is our Milk Chocolate Longhorns. Hearty Texas pecans are layered onto our signature golden caramel, then smothered in premium Lammes milk chocolate. Each mouthwatering bite has the perfect balance of crunchy pecan goodness, sweet chocolate, and buttery, chewy caramel. They pair deliciously with a warm cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. 

Divinity

Lammes Candies' Divinity is a light, airy confection that's as divine as its name suggests. This classic candy has a melt-in-your-mouth texture that's simply heavenly. Ours tastes exactly like homemade, so you can put away your candy thermometers from now on.

So, what sets us apart from the countless other candy makers out there? The answer lies in our unwavering commitment to quality, tradition, and family. Every piece of candy that bears the Lammes name is crafted with care, using the finest ingredients and time-honored techniques.

Lammes Candies takes pride in sourcing the best ingredients for our confections. From the hearty pecans in the pralines to the premium chocolate used in the longhorns, every ingredient is carefully selected to ensure the highest quality. This dedication to using the best ingredients is a cornerstone of the Lammes Candies philosophy, and it's a difference you can taste in every bite.

At Lammes Candies, family isn't just a part of their history; it's a part of the everyday operations. The Lamme family remains actively involved in the business, overseeing everything from recipe development to customer service. This personal touch is evident in every aspect of the company, from the friendly faces behind the counter to the kind voices when you place your order over the phone.

Lammes Candies is a testament to the power of family, tradition, and quality. From our humble beginnings in 1885 to our status as a Texas icon, the history of Lammes Candies reflects more than just sweets. It represents our dedication to remaining true to the values that have guided us for over a century. The candies are more than just treats; they are a celebration of the moments that matter the most. We hope we can begin or continue to be a part of your celebrations and moments in life. 

Our online store is available 365 days of the year, 24/7 to shop and buy some delicious treats. However, we also can take calls by phone (800) 252-18850, or you can take a stroll through our charming shops in Austin, if you are in town, and sample the delicious confections. There's always room for a little more sweetness in life.