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Moon Hut Is Now Mexican
Article as it appeared in Florida Today,
August 12, 2005
by Kathy Reakes
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"It's ironic that
so many people people seem to care so much about the restaurant, but
nobody ever did anything to take care of it," Mr. Martinez said.
"When we took over, the building was really rundown and a mess
inside." Mr. Martinez has been in Brevard County for about 12 years.
Restaurants run in his family. He owns two others in Melbourne and West
Melbourne, and he has 14 family members who own restaurants. When remodeling
the old Moon Hut, the new owners took great care to preserve the tons
of memorabalia that include everything from autographed photos to flight
patches and stickers and old menus. "I grew up here so I know how
important the items are to the residents." Ms. Fussillo said. "We're
very excited to be here."
Local artist Peter Howland helped the owners brighten up the restaurant
with brightly painted walls and booths. Purples, greens and wild pink
painted walls are
highlighted with flowers and scenes from Mexico. Longtime resident
and former Cocoa Beach Mayor Joe Morgan is looking forward to the new
restaurant. "I worked for years right across the street from the
Moon Hut," Mr. Morgan said. "I spend many hours there. There's
lots of
history there. I'm glad someone is fixing up the place and keeping all
the
memorabilia." He said he's also happy because he loves Mexican
food.
Moon Hut co-owners
Alice Fusillo, Nestor Martinez and Jesus Diaz in front
of the original sign that gave the establishment its identity in 1958.
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