Known for its handcrafted chocolates and inspiring the candy factory episode of "I Love Lucy," See's Candies opened its first Austin location April 4.

The store is located at 10710 Research Blvd., Ste. 144, next to H-E-B at Braker Lane. It sells more than 100 varieties of candy, including scotch mellow with marshmallow and caramel and California brittle.

In 1921, Charles See founded See's Candies and used his mother Mary's candy recipes, Brand Manager Natalie Brown said. The company, which has more than 200 stores nationwide, does not add any preservatives to its products. Brown said that during the World War II sugar rations, See's Candies opted to make less candy rather than cut the amount of sugar in its products as a commitment to quality.

See's Candies goes through about 12 million pounds of chocolate each year. The company also ages its chocolate to bring out the rich, smooth flavor, Brown said.

"We are one of the last candy makers who still do this," she said.

For the "I Love Lucy" episode, Brown said actresses Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance visited the See's Candies candy factory to research how the conveyor belt worked for their scenes in wrapping chocolates. The company still hand packs its boxes, Brown said.

For more information, call 512-372-1048 or visit www.sees.com.

Other Impacts

COMING SOON— Northwest Austin–based Hawkins Bucklew Handcrafted Jewelry Designs will celebrate its launch April 26 during Austin Fashion Week. Owners Chelsea Bucklew and Sheila Hawkins-Bucklew create necklaces, earrings and other jewelry using items such as pearls and shamballa crystals. The launch party is 2–4 p.m. at Cr Wine Bar in The Domain, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace. 512-736-2502. www.hawkinsbucklew.com. Twitter: @hawkinsbucklew

ANNIVERSARY—Nonprofit Town & Country Optimist Club celebrates its 40th anniversary April 12. The club promotes the ideas of Optimist International and provides youth sports facilities and programs including baseball, softball, soccer, basketball, football, lacrosse and volleyball. Town & Country is a 100 percent-volunteer organization. It is located on more than 90 acres at 9100 Meadowheath Drive. 512-331-0438. www.tandcsports.org. Twitter: @tcsportsaustin

The 40th anniversary sponsor expo and volunteer appreciation event will take place 11 a.m.–3 p.m. to celebrate all the coaches, field support, sponsors and volunteers. The event includes music, inflatable bounce houses, face painting, activities on the sport courts and grilling burgers and hot dogs.