MESA — Where else can you surf in the desert and grab a protein-packed shake on your way out of the waves? At Cannon Beach in Mesa, home to the brand-new Revel Surf Park, one of the newest spots drawing attention is Fresh Monkee, a clean-ingredients shake shop that proves healthy and delicious can go hand in hand.
In this week’s Eat Local spotlight, Scott Kooiman and Twila Edwards stopped by to meet Mariam Kariman, the owner of Fresh Monkee Mesa, to taste a few of her favorites and learn why she brought the growing brand to the East Valley.
“I live in Eastmark and really wanted to stay in my bubble,” Kariman said. “This location was just perfect for me. It’s close to home, part of a fun community, and fits the Cannon Beach vibe perfectly.”
Kariman, a mother of two teenage daughters, said she explored several business ideas—from boba to frozen yogurt—before discovering Fresh Monkee’s concept of all-natural protein shakes.
“When I looked at their menu and saw how focused it was on healthy protein shakes, I knew it was the perfect fit,” she said.
Watch the full interview and taste-test with Scott, Twila, and Mariam below:
Real Ingredients, No Added Sugar
Fresh Monkee prides itself on transparency and freshness.
“We don’t add any sugar to our products,” Kariman explained. “Everything comes naturally—real peanut butter, whole frozen fruit, and fresh vegetables. Nothing is processed or old.”
That commitment to clean ingredients runs through every part of the menu. From fruit-forward blends like Sunrise and Maui Colada to dessert-style favorites like the Dirty Filthy Monkee—packed with brownie pieces, chocolate, peanut butter, and Nutella—every shake is built for both flavor and nutrition. Coffee-based protein drinks are popular morning options, and vegan protein choices are available for those with dietary preferences.
“This menu is packed,” Edwards said during the visit. “Whether you want something fruity and refreshing or a rich dessert-like treat, there’s a shake for everyone.”
Fan-Favorite: The Monkee Ballz
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the visit came when Kariman introduced her Monkee Ballz, bite-sized peanut-butter-and-protein treats coated in chocolate.
“They taste very similar to Reese’s candy—but there’s no sugar,” she said with a laugh. “They’re our number-one seller, and people love grabbing them as a healthy snack.”
After trying one, Kooiman agreed:
“That’s like a loaded peanut-butter cup,” he said. “It’s the perfect balance—sweet, but not too much—and you can tell it’s actually good for you.”
Surf, Shake, and Stay Local
Located steps from Revel Surf Park, Fresh Monkee fits seamlessly into Cannon Beach’s “lifestyle-plus-adrenaline” atmosphere. Whether visitors come to surf, skate, shop, or hang out, Kariman hopes her store becomes a staple stop for locals and tourists alike.
“The surf park is right across the street, the new skate park is coming soon, and the whole area is growing,” Edwards said. “Fresh Monkee fits right in—it’s got that surf-meets-health-meets-community vibe Mesa is known for.”
Plan Your Visit
📍 Fresh Monkee Mesa
Inside Cannon Beach – 4513 S Power Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212
🕒 Visit freshmonkee.com for menu and hours.
📱 Follow @FreshMonkee and @CannonBeachAZ for updates.
