Our journey began in a cozy 650 sq. ft. space in Wethersfield, Connecticut, armed with only 10 recipes and less than $5,000. With a pre-owned refrigerator, freezer, IKEA shelving, and a fresh coat of paint, the very first Fresh Monkee was born in 2014.
The momentum carried us through 2015, as we unveiled our second location in Glastonbury, CT. By 2017, we hit the road with our very own food truck. The whirlwind of 2018 marked the birth of two more Fresh Monkee spots in Berlin and Southington, CT.
Our journey has been driven by the unwavering support of our customers and our dedication to delivering fast, convenient, and healthful options.
As a single mother, weary of the corporate world in the financial sector, I embarked on a journey of exploration and discovery. Among a myriad of ideas, one concept consistently outshone the rest: the idea of going beyond the typical juice bar, smoothie joint, or coffee drive-thru. Most juice bars stripped away the fiber from fruits and veggies, which is essential for a healthy gut and feeling satisfied. Smoothie places relied heavily on sugary fruit blends and strange powders. Coffee drinks were usually loaded with sugar and calories. I was convinced we could do better.
My vision was simple: start every shake with high-quality protein, good carbs, healthy fats, and, most importantly, real ingredients like the ones in your own kitchen. And make each shake to order – fast, convenient, and healthy.
Part of my motivation came from battling an eating disorder during my younger years. I was one of the lucky adopted kids from the 70s. My childhood was tough, like many others. My eating disorder got pretty dangerous. Thankfully, seeking help and time in the hospital put me on the road to recovery. This experience taught me so much, especially the importance of proper nutrition. I’d been an athlete my whole life, playing soccer, basketball, running, cycling, and weightlifting, so I knew how crucial it was to nourish my body.
My aspiration, alongside our exceptional team here at The Fresh Monkee, is to give you access to genuine, unpretentious, delicious, and enjoyable food – with the bonus of being super convenient.
I invite you to try our shakes and explore our menu. You’ll find a variety of shakes to suit your tastes every day.
– Judy
My journey with The Fresh Monkee began back in 2015 when I joined the team as a barista at our very first location in Wethersfield, CT. Little did I know that this experience would shape my career and passion for the better.
As I honed my skills and learned the ropes, The Fresh Monkee opened its second location in Glastonbury, CT. I continued to work as a barista, and my dedication and attention to detail caught Judy’s eye. That’s when I got the nod to step into the role of a general manager.
My management style has always focused on fostering a collaborative team environment and ensuring that our operations run smoothly. While managing, I pursued my education at the University of Saint Joseph, earning a BS in Nutrition and Dietetics, which deepened my appreciation for wholesome, real ingredients.
Today, I proudly serve as the Director of Operations at The Fresh Monkee. My role involves a wide range of responsibilities. You’ll see me behind the counter as a barista, creating content for our social media, fixing equipment, the list is endless! It’s a diverse and exciting position that keeps me engaged and invested in the brand’s growth.
I’m thrilled to be part of The Fresh Monkee as it enters its next chapter. The brand’s dedication to providing exceptional customer experiences and promoting a healthy lifestyle aligns perfectly with my values. Every day, I’m excited to contribute to something as beloved as The Fresh Monkee and help it continue to thrive.
– Annie
I started my journey with The Fresh Monkee when I was just 16. It was my first job, and it opened my eyes to how a business should operate. The positive environment and supportive coworkers made the shop feel like a second home. I took pride in every shake I made and every customer interaction I had.
Creating customized shakes that catered to both dietary needs and flavor preferences was incredibly fulfilling. As we grew from a small business to a national brand, I cherished the meaningful and lasting relationships we built with our customers.
A couple of years after joining The Fresh Monkee, I enrolled at the University of Connecticut. I graduated in May 2022 with a degree in Communications and a minor in Digital Arts. After struggling to find a career path that gave me a sense of satisfaction and purpose, I spoke with Judy about a General Manager position at the end of 2023. Stepping into this role, I instantly reconnected with the company and its mission.
Now, as the Director of Franchise Operations, I couldn’t be more excited to be part of a team that is so enthusiastic and dedicated to their work. Every new franchise is an opportunity to share our passion and grow our community, and I look forward to contributing to The Fresh Monkee’s ongoing success.
– Emily