Fort Worth Developer Acquires Iconic Austin Candy Brand, Plans Revival and New Resort

Delightful Development Co., a Fort Worth-based hospitality firm co-founded by Craig Cavileer and Kayla Wilkie-Kinne, has acquired Lammes Candies, an iconic Austin confectionary brand. Lammes, known for its Texas Chewie Pecan Pralines, had closed its operations, including its historic location at 5330 Airport Blvd. in Austin, citing challenging market conditions.

The acquisition by Delightful Development aims to honor and preserve Lammes' 141-year legacy, with plans to reintroduce classic recipes and develop new artisanal chocolates. The formal relaunch is anticipated in spring 2027, with holiday season preorders beginning September 29, 2026.

Cavileer and Wilkie-Kinne are recognized for their extensive work in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, including the development of Hotel Drover and the adaptive reuse of Mule Alley. Concurrently with the Lammes acquisition, Delightful Development, in partnership with Woodbine Development Co., is proceeding with a new $160 million, 225-room resort in the Fort Worth Stockyards, a public-private partnership with the city and Tarrant County.

This deal highlights a trend of developers expanding into brand revitalization and hospitality, leveraging their expertise in real estate and market dynamics to breathe new life into established businesses and properties.