Born in 2014 in a 650-square-foot space in Wethersfield, Connecticut, the Fresh Monkee has expanded to serve its “truly healthy shakes” at a total of 20 locations (as of the end of June), with more on the way. One of these planned locations will open its doors in Palm Harbor, at 35154 US Highway 19 N.
The opening is a climactic point in the career of Matt Burgin, the franchisee behind the location. Burgin built years of experience in sales before branching out as an entrepreneur.
“I’ve been in sales my whole life,” Burgin told What Now on Wednesday. “I’ve been successful in it. I wanted to own my business, but I was self-made; I didn’t go to go college. That’s why I wanted to get into building a franchise: they have a blueprint, and they teach you. It’s almost like free college.”
Burgin says he looked a long time for the right brand—“I wanted something that would be both AI-proof and Amazon-proof”—and something that would offer people healthful food. After a long search, Burgin was introduced to the Fresh Monkee.
The difference between the Fresh Monkee and the big smoothie chains, Burgin says, was immediately obvious.
“If you ever go into those other places and see how much sugar they put into your smoothie, it’s insane. That was where I would go when I was sick! I thought I was doing something good for myself.”
In contrast, the Fresh Monkee was serving up protein-packed shakes without added sugars or those additives with the polysyllabic names.
“They make everything right in front of you. All their ingredients are right in the open. The coolers are glass door coolers, and you’re looking at fresh spinach, fresh apples, fresh everything. I went and in tried four of them and, and each was better than the one before. You can’t understand how they’re healthy when they taste so good! And they’re packed with protein.”
An opening is expected in Palm Harbor at the very end of summer or very beginning of fall. And that’s not all that’s in store. Burgin says he’s contracted for 2 locations but could imagine opening as many as ten in the area.
“I think it could take over the Tampa Bay area. We don’t have stuff that’s healthy and tastes good. And here there’s no secrets. All the sugar comes from the fruit. Everything can be vegan or keto. It’s a great product that sells itself.”
You can keep up with the opening by following @freshmonkee_palmharbor on Instagram.
It sounds so good can’t wait to try this out
The product is amazing and Matt is a rock star!
Best of luck!