In 2006, Florida designated the Key lime pie as its official state pie by Florida Statute, celebrating a dessert that many consider a quintessential representation of the Sunshine State.
Made from Key lime juice, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk, the pie delights with its tangy-sweet flavor, commonly topped with either fluffy meringue or whipped cream.
Bakers from all walks of life have put their own twist on this beloved treat, but one business that stands out in the quest for the perfect Key lime pie is Fookem’s Fabulous Key Lime Pie, located in Coconut Grove at 3606 Grand Avenue.
Fookem’s journey began when its founder, Joshua Abril, found himself furloughed in March 2020 due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Faced with an overwhelmed unemployment system, Abril took the entrepreneurial leap and decided to take his passion for baking into his own hands.
He began perfecting his Key lime pie recipe and testing it with friends, selling slices on the street to passersby while sitting on a chair at the end of his gravel driveway across from Coconut Grove Elementary School.
Initially, sales were modest, with only five slices a day sold, but his charm and enthusiasm eventually won over the community.
As Abril recalls, “If it was the first time, they’d ignore me. By the second time, they might take a look at me. But by the third time, they’d wave back.”
By the end of that fateful year, Fookem’s Fabulous Key Lime Pie had raked in an impressive $23,000 from driveway sales alone.
Finding inspiration in the local community and driven by his experiences in the competitive broadcasting industry, Abril understood the importance of marketing and relationship building.
Fookem’s name pays homage to the unique spirit of Coconut Grove, with a playful nod to his experiences during the pandemic.
As Abril explains, the “F” in Fookem’s is a cheeky reference to the furloughs and the reemployment assistance process many faced.
Recognizing the potential of his growing business, he began reaching out to local eateries to offer his pies, allowing them to provide a taste of Key lime pie during their challenging times.
Today, Fookem’s pies can be found in various local establishments within the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District, including the Barracuda Taphouse & Grill, Botanico Gin & Cookhouse, and others, providing a sweet touch to their dessert menus.
With the growth of his business came the opening of Abril’s storefront located at 3606 Grand Avenue, where customers can come to indulge in the delectable pies.
Both consumers and local restaurants rave about the quality of Fookem’s pies, with many attributing the delicious taste to the secret behind the perfect crust.
According to Abril, “It’s really about the crust. That’s truly what makes a great Key lime pie.”
In addition to the authentic Key lime pie, Fookem’s has expanded its offerings, introducing seasonal flavors and mini pies that cater to various preferences.
A pivotal moment in Fookem’s expansion came when Jim VanBuren, the general manager of the Coral Reef Yacht Club, suggested a four-inch mini pie to enhance dessert presentation without requiring slicing.
This mini pie quickly became a fan favorite, highlighting Fookem’s adaptability and attention to customer desires.
Aside from their storefront, Fookem’s also operates a vending machine at Julia and Henry’s, a prominent food court in downtown Miami, and offers full-size pies at local markets such as Tinez Farms and Joshs Premium Meats.
The company also collaborates with caterers for corporate events, weddings, and parties, ensuring that Fookem’s pies can be enjoyed during life’s special moments.
With a commitment to quality and innovation, Abril has introduced unique flavor profiles for the classic Key lime pie, including guava, coconut, mango, pistachio, mojito (with a rum splash), and coffee.
As he puts it, “Key lime pie with a touch of coconut flavoring is the absolute best Key lime pie in the world.”
Fookem’s brand is carefully crafted, emphasizing aesthetically pleasing packaging and a recognizable logo showcasing Key lime colors and a nostalgic font inspired by old-time Key West, balancing their fun and cheeky name with sophistication.
Looking toward the future, Fookem’s aims to maintain consistency and affordability while expanding the product line and hiring additional staff, including a new baker.
Abril’s vision is centered on building strong relationships within the Coconut Grove community and supporting local business owners, creating avenues for mutual success.
He believes that community events play a vital role in bringing people together, making Fookem’s a consistent presence at such gatherings to strengthen local ties.
Praising the Coconut Grove BID’s administration for embracing beneficial business ideas and investments, Abril acknowledges the efforts of community-focused leaders, particularly Commissioner Damian Pardo, who have assisted local entrepreneurs.
While Abril has always had a love for baking, his commitment to creating the best Key lime pie remains driven by a desire to share the joy of this beloved dessert with both locals and visitors.
He believes that each customer should leave with fond memories of their time in South Florida, ideally accompanied by a piece of the official state pie.
The history of the Key lime pie traces back to the Florida Keys, where the tart and aromatic Key lime fruit, known as
image source from：communitynewspapers
