Funky Monkey Brings Shaved Ice and Smiles to Holdrege

Ronda and Terry Booth of Holdrege spent years dreaming about a retirement gig operating a shaved ice business. Their dream is coming true with the opening of Funky Monkey Shaved Ice & More LLC, a new business offering sweet and icy treats just in time for summer.

The shaved ice stand officially opened on May 5 across from the former Dairy Queen location near 4th Avenue and Hancock. “It’s in the old Paul’s Derby lot,” Ronda said, for those longtime Holdrege residents who remember the iconic gas station and gaming store. 

Ronda, a 1984 Holdrege High School graduate, previously worked in the grocery store deli/bakery business, so she has a background in food service. Terry is still employed at Union Pacific Railroad and helps as needed in the new business.

“This is something that really means a lot to us,” Ronda said. “I remember growing up here, going to the swimming pool, and stopping to get ice cream. We wanted to create something like that for the next generation.”

Two months ago, the Booths decided to take the leap into their business venture. They originally purchased equipment for a permanent store from a seller in Broken Bow. But then Ronda had a vision for a mobile business. Two days later, they found a trailer in Colorado and decided to jump in.

They redecorated the trailer’s exterior to feature a monkey in sunglasses with bursts of bright blue and hot pink, designed to turn heads and draw crowds with its bold, tropical vibe.

Funky Monkey serves 31 flavors of shaved ice along with slushies, iced coffee, iced tea, cookies, and Rice Krispies bars. Hours are noon to 8 p.m. daily, with occasional changes in days or hours for special events. The Booths are also hitting the road for festivals and gatherings, with events already lined up in Alma, Sutherland, and even a hopeful appearance at the Nebraska State Fair. 

The most popular flavors so far have been blue raspberry, cotton candy, and tiger’s blood. Their signature Funky Root Beer Float is a one-of-a-kind treat with ice cream in the bottom, layered with shaved ice, topped with a “snow cap” made from sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and simple syrup. 

“We’ve served several of them, and people like it so much they keep coming back,” Ronda said.

Getting the business up and running wasn’t easy or cheap. That’s where the Phelps County Development Corporation (PCDC) stepped in. With encouragement from Gayleen Mauer at Bruning State Bank, the Booths applied for and received PCDC GO! BUSINESS grants to help with startup costs. 

“I need to thank everyone who has been involved in this, including PCDC and the customers who have supported us,” Ronda said. “It’s been phenomenal. I can’t wait to see where this takes us.”

To find Funky Monkey, head to 227 4th Avenue or follow them on social media at Ronda and Terry’s Funky Monkey Shaved Ice and More. For bookings or more information, call Ronda at 308-991-9161 or email funkymonkeyshavediceandmore@yahoo.com.