A small popcorn shop in downtown Fort Wayne is serving up something sweeter than caramel corn this Father’s Day—memory, meaning, and a daughter’s lasting dream.

Poptique Popcorn, tucked into the heart of the city, has joined a “Downtown Favorites” gift box giveaway with five other local businesses. But for owner Gary Hively, it’s about much more than holiday sales or foot traffic.

Lindsey’s dream lives on

Poptique Popcorn isn’t just another family business. It’s a tribute to a young woman with a passion for snacks and a bigger heart than most.

Lindsey Hively, Gary’s daughter, dreamed of opening a popcorn shop. That dream became real in 2008. Just seven years later, cancer took her life. She was only in her early twenties.

“It wasn’t just popcorn,” Gary said, standing behind the counter this week. “It was something we did together. Late-night movies, family nights—popcorn was always part of it.”

The store still feels like hers.

Father’s Day, but with heart

This week, Poptique is one of six shops taking part in a unique promotion downtown. Customers who make a purchase at a participating store can build a custom gift box—for free—filled with handpicked local goodies.

Think of it as Fort Wayne’s version of a curated Father’s Day care package. But one with a personal story folded into every crinkle of tissue paper.

Gary sees it as a way to share Lindsey’s joy.

“I tell people, when they give this box to their dad, they’re also sharing a little piece of Lindsey with him,” he said. “And you know, just… hug your kids. Hug your dads too.”

Why this isn’t just another promo

There are tons of Father’s Day promos out there. But this one hits different.

You walk into Poptique and it smells like kettle corn heaven. You’ll find bright bags of flavored popcorn lining the shelves—jalapeño cheddar, s’mores, peanut butter chocolate drizzle.

And then there’s Lindsey. Her photo sits near the register. Her smile hasn’t faded in the print. Gary touches the frame lightly every morning when he opens shop.

Here’s what makes this gift box event stand out:

• You buy something small (even just $5) at a participating business.

• You then build a gift box with free samples and surprises from all six stores.

• Every box includes a flavor from Poptique that Lindsey helped create.

These shops aren’t just storefronts

Here’s a quick look at the participating businesses. It’s not a corporate list—it’s neighbors helping neighbors.

Each one contributes something different. Together, they’ve built a box that tells a story—not just about Father’s Day, but about a city that shows up.

Small shop, big message

The Hively family isn’t pushing product—they’re telling a story that matters.

Gary doesn’t talk like a businessman. He talks like a dad. A dad who lost a daughter too soon. A dad who still pours her memory into every scoop of popcorn. A dad who wants others to cherish their moments before they’re memories too.

“This place—it’s Lindsey,” he says. “People think they’re just buying snacks. But to me, it’s like they’re helping keep her alive.”

And maybe they are.