Kennebec Fruit

If you like Moxie, the state of Maine, small towns, and general stores (like Gower’s in Bedford Falls) frozen in time then you should make it a point to stop at Kennebec Fruit Company in Lisbon Falls. It’s out of the way for most folks traveling our glorious state, but it’s one of the most authentic (albeit no frills type of) places run by one of the most genuine, salt of the earth men in Maine.
Sure, you can get Moxie in just about any grocer in the state of Maine and in the random restaurant, but Moxie ice cream? That’s one of Frank Anicetti’s specialty at this unassuming corner store, and something I see many other folks love. It’s creamy, delicious, unreasonably cheap, and packs that distinct Moxie flavor in a more muted tone (for those of you who can’t handle our state’s official beverage and infamous «nerve food», I suggest trying this).
If you’re in the area, stop by and grab a cone. If you’re in the area and you’ve got some time, pick Mr. Anicetti’s brain about the history of Moxie or Maine. You won’t be disappointed!

How can you not love Frank? A man who dresses up a vintage mannequin in a Superman getup, chains it to a street sign on a furniture dolly. A man who is featured in Stephen King’s new novel 11÷22÷63? The man runs the show at the Kennebec Fruit Co, a tin-​ceilinged, narrow room filled with all things Moxie. He is the reason Lisbon Falls is on the map for the Moxie Festival as it all started in the 1980’s when he asked an author to come sign a book about Moxie. The store still serves as a nexus for the once thriving downtown Lisbon Falls that still retains it’s hometown charm.
Frank Anicetti is a soda fountain of knowledge, he pushes the Moxie name in all it’s blaze orange glory. He is direct and to the point and is aching for a reason to draw people in so he can spend time with them. A true people person. I couldn’t help but think that if the right person with deep pockets came in to polish up this gem of a building and restore it to its former glory, this place would be the real draw and wouldn’t need the Moxie name to bring in customers. Imagine if the beautiful marble counter was burnished up, the boxes moved to another location and locally made products lining the shelves, what a perfect place to spend an afternoon and revel in the nostalgia. Guess I’ll have to buy a lottery ticket. I’ll be back Frank, so you can tell me Lisbon Falls’ real history.

I have only come here for Moxie Festival. And the line is out the door. And rightly so. Who doesn’t love Moxie ice cream during a festival that is smack dab in the middle of the summer. I love to Moxie shirts, and other swag that you can get here.
The Moxie ice cream is a bit milder for those folks that aren’t die hard Moxie fans. And if you are one of those Moxie fans, such as myself, well than you can get the über Moxie concoction, a Moxie float, with Moxie ice cream.

What? No reviews for KFC, aka, The Moxie Store?
If you are a Moxie fan, then you probably have been to Frank Anicetti’s store on the corner of Main Street and Route 196 in Lisbon Falls. Frank’s become a bit of a celebrity as a result of the Moxie Festival that happens every 2^nd Saturday in July. That’s when Moxie aficionados from all over descend on this Maine town nestled along the Androscoggin River.
In 2008, I wrote «Moxietown,» the book that explains Moxie, why Lisbon Falls, and dispels some of the other myths about the soft drink that has a strong following in New England. The book sold out its first printing, mainly over the three days of that year’s festival. I reprinted it again this year and I’m close to selling out again.
Frank contacted me for more books and I dropped some off this afternoon. Really pleased to see that the store has had a makeover and looks as good as it has in years. Even better, Frank’s made another batch of Moxie ice cream and I had one of his cones. I can’t believe that he still charges a buck for a one-​scoop cone. What a bargain!
Moxie ice cream is unique, just like the drink. However, if you don’t have the stomach for the drink, you’ll probably find his homemade ice cream much more amenable to your taste buds. He also has other flavors, including black raspberry.
Just found out from Frank that he’s now got Moxie socks in stock and according to him, they’re selling like hot cakes. Go figure!