Contributed by Janet Keeler
Floridians love one-tank trips and traveling to the Keys so it’s no surprise that every day thousands make the trek to Homestead, Florida to enjoy the Robert Is Here fruit stand. The real story is about Robert himself and the Moehling family who began this stand in 1959.
What began as a simplistic and genius “open sign” to let passers-by know that a small child was manning the fruit stand, Robert’s father crafted the first “Robert Is Here” sign. That simple sign meant Robert Is Here sold out and changed the family’s fortune. For decades, the family has stocked fresh and unusual fruits and veggies that kept locals and motorists flocking to the stand. Now, Robert Is Here is equally known for its mouthwatering milkshakes and smoothies that are made with the local fruit. We can’t leave out the aviary and farm with goats, pigs, cows and emus.
Janet Keeler takes us on an early morning stroll through the market and farm while Robert Moehling sets up for the day. He takes a brief pause to share the stand’s history and growth, the tragedy of his mother’s murder, and the surprise of the attraction’s success.
You can read about Robert’s story in his autobiography Robert Is Here: Looking East for a Lifetime.
“It’s got soul, ya know, the heart is when we’re here working it…how many people can say they’ve been in business in the same place for sixty years?”
– Robert Moehling, owner
Robert Is Here fruit stand