Fresh Monkee opens downtown Austin shake shop

Fresh Monkee has opened in downtown Austin with made-to-order protein shakes built for breakfast, post-workout recovery and quick meals. The new shop aims to tap the city’s fitness, running and student communities ahead of a grand opening expected in about a month.

Why it matters: - Fresh Monkee is betting that Austin will embrace a fast-casual drink format that combines convenience with real food ingredients and meal-level nutrition. - The shop is positioned for people who want a quick option after workouts, between classes or as a portable lunch without the sugar load of a typical smoothie.

What happened: - Fresh Monkee Austin recently opened at 827 W 12th St. in downtown Austin. - The store is now welcoming customers after a successful soft opening. - A larger grand opening celebration is expected in about one month. - Customers can order ahead through Fresh Monkee’s online ordering platform or the Fresh Monkee App. - Fresh Monkee Austin is also available through Uber Eats and DoorDash.

The details: - Fresh Monkee makes fresh, made-to-order protein shakes designed to be substantial enough to serve as a meal. - Each shake is handcrafted with fruits and vegetables, natural nut butters, milk and non-dairy alternatives, seeds and protein. - The menu includes fruit-forward, green, peanut butter, chocolate, coffee and indulgent-style shakes. - Popular options include Chunkee Monkee, Maui Colada, Blueberry Pie and Ultimate Green. - The Iced Protein Coffee comes in a 32-ounce serving with 38 grams of protein and 2 grams of sugar. - The coffee drink uses coffee ice cubes to keep the beverage from getting watered down. - Fresh Monkee offers vegan protein, vegan-friendly shakes and gluten-free options. - The Fresh Monkee Rewards program lets customers earn points on purchases and redeem discounts, merchandise and other perks. - Customers can join and manage rewards through the Fresh Monkee App.

Between the lines: - Fresh Monkee is trying to separate itself from both traditional juice bars and standard protein shakes made from powder and water. - Founder and President Judy Flynn said the concept was created to bridge the gap between smoothies that can be loaded with sugar and protein shakes that may miss on taste. - Owner Pablo Vidal, who is also Fresh Monkee’s chief marketing officer, said the Austin store is meant to fit into local life, not just sell drinks. - The location next to the Shoal Creek Trail gives Fresh Monkee a natural tie to runners and other active customers. - The shop is already developing partnerships with local running clubs, gyms, fitness centers, yoga and Pilates studios, recreational organizations, University of Texas student and athletic groups, and Austin Community College. - Several local running groups are exploring runs that start or finish near the store.

What's next: - Fresh Monkee Austin is preparing for its grand opening event in about a month. - The store plans to deepen ties with Austin’s fitness and student communities through partnerships and group meetups. - Fresh Monkee is expanding across the United States while building local communities around its shakes. - Austin journalists, food writers, fitness professionals and creators are invited to visit the store and sample the menu. - More information is available through Fresh Monkee’s LinkedIn page, Instagram account and Facebook page.