The scoop on Pookie's: Local grade school entrepreneurs to open gelato shop

A mint green Vespa in the window at 711 Water St. hints at what’s inside: a pastel-toned, European-inspired patisserie opening this Valentine’s Day in downtown Kerrville.

“The color was our inspiration for the interior,” Livia Fore said.

Inside, Pookie’s Patisserie mirrors the Vespa’s signature mint green, accented with soft pinks, whites and touches of gold leaf. A vintage-inspired Italian Elektra espresso machine anchors the space, reinforcing the shop’s European aesthetic.

But behind the carefully curated design are two unlikely entrepreneurs.

Livia, 10, and her sister Vivian Fore, 7, are the co-owners of Pookie’s, making them the youngest business owners in Kerrville.

Pookie’s will offer handcrafted Italian pastries, espresso, lemonade, macarons, truffles and artisan gelato.

“It actually started with a lemonade stand,” Livia said.

The idea grew from there, especially as Vivian developed a love for gelato. Inspired by her affection for animals, the shop will feature “Gatto Gelato,” adding a personal touch to its small-batch offerings.

The sisters have spent months taste-testing in preparation for opening day.

“Gelato has more flavor options, and I like that,” Livia said.

“Birthday cake is my favorite flavor,” Vivian said.

Pookie’s will feature a rotating selection of 10 gelato flavors each month, along with a seasonal Flavor of the Month. For its February opening, the featured flavor will be strawberry rosé, combining the sweetness of strawberries with notes of rosé champagne.

While Livia and Vivian are the founders and creative force behind the business, their parents, Laura and Micah Fore, helped bring the vision to life.

“We’re silent partners,” Laura said.

Laura assisted with the interior design, while Micah served as general contractor, overseeing renovations to the Water Street space.

The shop’s name also has personal roots.

“They used to call me that when I was a baby,” Livia said, referring to her nickname, “Pookie.”

Pookie’s Patisserie will announce its hours of operation closer to opening. More information is available at www.pookiespatisserie.com.

This article was originally published in the Feb. 2025 edition of Hill Country Culture Magazine.