Kona Ice
Financial Plan
Liquid capital
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Total investment
Total Investment to launch the business, including initial fees (Not disclosed)
Average annual revenue
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The Concept
Founded in 2007 by Tony Lamb in Florence, Kentucky, Kona Ice is a mobile shaved ice franchise that transformed the traditional ice cream truck concept into a colorful, community-focused business. The company operates custom-designed Kona Entertainment Vehicles (KEVs) that serve premium shaved ice at schools, festivals, sporting events, fundraisers, corporate gatherings, and neighborhood celebrations. Its signature Flavorwave® self-serve flavor station allows customers to customize their shaved ice with a variety of syrups, creating an interactive experience that differentiates the brand from competitors.
Kona Ice has built its reputation around the philosophy of “Shaved Ice with a Purpose.” Beyond selling frozen treats, the company actively partners with schools, youth organizations, and nonprofits through fundraising events, helping communities raise hundreds of millions of dollars over the years. This community-first approach has contributed significantly to the brand’s rapid expansion and high franchisee satisfaction ratings. Today, Kona Ice operates across all 50 U.S. states and has become one of the largest mobile food franchise systems in the world.
The franchise model appeals to entrepreneurs seeking a lower-overhead alternative to traditional restaurants. Because franchisees operate from mobile units rather than permanent storefronts, they avoid many real estate and staffing costs while enjoying the flexibility to serve multiple markets. Comprehensive training, marketing assistance, proprietary technology, and ongoing operational support enable franchisees to launch quickly and grow scalable mobile businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I invest in a Kona Ice franchise?
Kona Ice offers one of the most recognizable mobile food franchise concepts in North America. Unlike traditional quick-service restaurants, franchisees do not need to lease or build expensive retail locations. Instead, they operate branded mobile vehicles that can travel to schools, parks, festivals, sporting events, corporate functions, and private celebrations.
The brand has established a strong reputation through its community fundraising initiatives, allowing franchisees to build lasting local relationships while generating recurring business. Corporate training, operational support, and marketing resources further reduce the challenges commonly associated with starting an independent food business.
What support does Kona Ice provide to franchisees?
New franchisees attend an intensive training program at the company’s headquarters, where they learn business operations, customer service, marketing, technology systems, food safety, and vehicle management. Franchisees also receive assistance with business setup, digital marketing, scheduling, and event planning.
After launch, the company continues to provide operational coaching, software tools, promotional materials, technical support, and access to approved suppliers. This ongoing support helps franchisees maintain consistent product quality and customer experience across the franchise network.
What types of events can Kona Ice franchisees serve?
Kona Ice businesses generate revenue from a wide range of events throughout the year. Schools remain one of the largest customer segments, particularly for fundraising activities. Franchisees also serve community festivals, youth sports tournaments, corporate appreciation events, neighborhood gatherings, fairs, weddings, birthday parties, and charity functions.
The mobility of the Kona Entertainment Vehicle (KEV) enables owners to serve multiple locations in a single day, providing operational flexibility that is difficult to achieve with a fixed-location restaurant.
Does Kona Ice disclose average franchisee revenue?
No. Kona Ice does not publicly disclose average franchisee revenue or earnings in a way that allows prospective franchisees to calculate expected income. The company’s Franchise Disclosure Document does not publish an average annual revenue figure for all franchisees.
Prospective investors are encouraged to review the latest Franchise Disclosure Document carefully and speak directly with existing franchise owners listed in the disclosure document to better understand potential financial performance in different markets.
What makes Kona Ice different from other food truck franchises?
Kona Ice differentiates itself through its combination of mobile convenience, proprietary equipment, recognizable branding, and community engagement. Its colorful Kona Entertainment Vehicles and patented Flavorwave® self-serve system create a memorable customer experience while helping franchisees stand out at public events.
Equally important is the company’s emphasis on fundraising and charitable partnerships. By working closely with schools and nonprofit organizations, franchisees often build repeat business and long-term community relationships, creating a sustainable customer base beyond one-time event sales.
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