Each summer there is a flow of new businesses in Ocean City, all hoping to win the hearts of visitors and more importantly locals who stick with them year-round. One business that has figured it out year after year is Monkey Bread, whose boardwalk location has been open for 16 years. Arctic Freeze Creamery is one of the newest businesses to test its waters in Ocean City with their tasty rolled ice cream and most recent collaboration with Monkey Bread. Funky Monkey, rolled ice cream with monkey bread, is the perfect marriage of a boardwalk tradition with a new treat. Both businesses proudly do their part to bring together the creation.
Step 1: The Monkey Bread
While Monkey Bread has been an Ocean City New Jersey boardwalk staple since 2001, current owner Laura Idell bought the business fresh out of college at the age of 22 in 2011. The business’s success starts with their fresh baked daily monkey bread. From there they’ve have created an extensive menu including breakfast sandwiches and coffee to go with the monkey bread.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Monkey Bread made its first appearance this spring as just one of the tasty twists on the classic treat. Keeping things fresh and creative, is what makes Monkey Bread thrive.
Step 2: The Rolled Ice Cream
Arctic Freeze Creamery is new to Ocean City but not to the rolled ice cream game. A Youtube video of Thailand street vendors making rolled ice cream inspired The Millers, who put the family in family business. Caroline and her two kids, Chelsea and Chase, soon brought the treat to New Jersey at their first creamery location in Collingswood.
This summer AFC brought their rolled ice cream to Ocean City with a soft opening Memorial Day Weekend. Their many base and mix-in options even include Johnson’s Popcorn, another family-owned business that The Millers were excited to partner with for a sweet-and-salty treat. Their most recent collaboration and OCNJ menu specialty combines their new product with the classic boardwalk treat, Monkey Bread.
Step 3: The Funky Monkey
Photo By Casey Irwin
What Does it Taste Like?
The Funky Monkey maintains the texture and flavor of the monkey bread while adding a smooth creaminess to it. The crushed monkey bread is mixed with the liquid ice cream base on the freezing counter, allowing it to be smoothed flat then rolled. This way, the monkey bread’s flavors are enhanced by the non-preservative, non-artificial colored or flavored ice cream. It is a true team effort in the way that each of the ingredients compliment each other.
The Root of the Collaboration
The two business women were instantly interested in a collaboration after being introduced by Laura’s boyfriend Clay Schwartz. While we had to wait until summer, the Funky Monkey taste test came together in February of 2017 for Caroline and Clay.
The Bottom Line
Photo By Casey Irwin
With just a few weeks under its belt, the Funky Monkey is already making an impression in OCNJ. There is no more debating whether you are an ice cream or baked good person, because you can have the best of both worlds. The foreseen longevity of this flavor, and both businesses, is certain. The sense of passion and kindness behind all of the people and products involved makes them stand out. Warning! You will be hooked after you try this! Arctic Freeze Creamery and Monkey Bread will be sure to cure your sweet tooth fix all summer long!
Where to Go
- Monkey Bread: 972 Boardwalk
- Arctic Freeze Creamery: 1119 Asbury Avenue
