Established
2007
Franchise Units
1800
Minimum Investment
$134,850
Franchise Fee
$15,000
Total Investment Range
$140,350
Home Based
No
Description
Kona Ice is a mobile shaved ice franchise known for its brightly colored trucks, tropical branding, and community-first business model. With a mission to "bring the Kona experience" to neighborhoods, schools, youth sports, and events across the country, Kona Ice offers a fun, flexible, and profitable franchise opportunity. The brand’s patented Flavorwave™ system allows customers to pour their own flavored syrup, making the experience interactive and unique.
Looking for a fun, flexible, and profitable business opportunity? The Kona Ice USA Franchise is the perfect investment for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to bring joy to communities while building a scalable business. With its iconic shaved ice trucks, vibrant branding, and strong community presence, Kona Ice offers a proven franchise model with nationwide success.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
✅ Low Overhead, High Margins – No expensive storefronts. Operate from a custom truck with minimal staffing needs.
✅ Mobile Business Model – Go where the customers are: schools, parks, sports events, and festivals.
✅ Community-Centric Brand – Kona Ice has donated over $100 million to schools and non-profits through fundraising partnerships.
✅ Exclusive Flavorwave™ System – A patented self-serve flavor dispenser that enhances the customer experience.
✅ High Brand Recognition – Widely loved by children, parents, and communities across the U.S.
✅ Scalable Growth – Many franchisees expand quickly with multiple units due to the low-cost model.
✅ Strong Resale Value – With a loyal customer base and event-driven model, franchises maintain value over time.
✅ Award-Winning Support – Kona Ice is consistently ranked among the top franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine and Franchise Business Review.
Background
- Founded: 2007
First Franchised: 2008
Founder: Tony Lamb
Headquarters: Florence, Kentucky
Current Active Units: 1,800+ units across 49 states.
Brand Journey: Tony Lamb started with a single truck and a vision to create a cleaner, friendlier, and more professional version of the traditional ice cream truck. Today, Kona Ice is a dominant leader in the Food & Beverage / Mobile Catering industry. It is consistently ranked in the top tiers of Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 and is recognized for its high franchisee satisfaction.
Support Training
Kona Ice offers an extensive onboarding program to ensure franchisees are fully prepared. Support includes:
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Initial 3-day KONA Kollege training at headquarters
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Mobile operating training with real-world experience
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Marketing and community engagement strategies
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Ongoing support via regional directors, web-based training tools, and franchisee forums
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Fleet management and maintenance training
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Kona Ice franchisee is:
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Entrepreneurial and community-focused
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Passionate about working with children, schools, and nonprofits
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Driven to create flexible income streams
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Seeking a family-friendly, low-overhead business
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Comfortable with hands-on operations and event-based scheduling
Financial Detail
Franchise Fee: $15,000
Total Investment: $134,850 – $140,350
Cash Investment: $20,000
Net Worth Requirement: $50,000