Strawberry Moon or Hazelnut S’mores? Something green or a little Caramel Coffee Buzz? At Fresh Monkee in Pine Market, getting a protein shake comes with plenty of possibilities—and no need to choose between something that tastes good and something that is good for you.
Owner Nick Naselli opened the shop in June, bringing made-to-order shakes and smoothies to the Montgomery area by settling into Woodforest with customizable drinks, a list of customer favorites, and a team eager to welcome everyone through the door.
He was introduced to the area via a different job, but even then he could see the potential for the type of business he wanted to run.
“I chose this area because there’s nothing else really like it around and not many healthy options available in general,” Naselli said. “I worked at the Domino’s across the street, so that’s how I became familiar with the area and thought this would be a great place to open a business.“
He wanted to offer something he felt was missing—more choices for people looking for a health-conscious meal or snack.
“I decided on Fresh Monkee because it’s hard to be truly healthy,” he said. “Obviously nothing is 100 percent healthy, but our shakes are as close to it as you can get. I’m pretty big into health, fitness, and what I put into my body, as a lot of Americans are starting to be, so a clean product was important to me.”
Naselli said Fresh Monkee is unique because of the perfect balance between flavor and nutrition. A balance that is often difficult to find in shakes and smoothies.
“Fresh Monkee does truly healthy shakes and smoothies,” he said. ‘Low sugar, high-quality protein, no syrups or dyes, all fresh fruits and vegetables, fully customizable, fresh, and made-to-order. We also have gluten-free, vegan, and keto options.”
That means for someone craving a dessert-inspired flavor, a fruity blend, or a green shake, the menu offers plenty of starting points. Customization gives customers room to make their order their own.
Customer favorites already span the menu, from Strawberry Moon and Sun Rise to Cinnamon Toast, Hazelnut S’mores, and Chunkee Monkee. Filthy Monkee, Caramel Coffee Buzz, and the green shakes also have their fans.
Naselli’s personal picks? Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Moon, Mint Cookie, Mai Colada, Banana Split, and Dirty Filthy Monkee.
The variety is intentional. Between the flavor choices and dietary options, Naselli wants customers to find something that works for them.
“We have a shake for everybody,” he said.
For Naselli, opening Fresh Monkee is about more than what goes into the blender; it’s also about the people on either side of the counter. His staff loves to serve the community, and his customers love having a healthy option nearby.
“As a new business, we appreciate each and every customer that supports Fresh Monkee,” he said, “whether that be by word of mouth, social media, leaving a review and of course coming into the store and trying the product!”
