2007
1400
$149,995
$15,000
$149,995
No
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.
✅ 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.
Founded in 2007 by Tony Lamb, Kona Ice has rapidly grown into one of the most recognizable mobile dessert franchises in the U.S. The company focuses on delivering happiness, community involvement, and giving back. Franchisees often serve at school fundraisers, youth sports, festivals, and corporate events, generating both revenue and goodwill.
Kona Ice has consistently ranked in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500, noted for its low startup costs, simplicity of operations, and strong support system.
Founder: Tony Lamb, a former marketing executive, started Kona Ice with a vision to reinvent the ice cream truck model.
Brand Journey: What began as a single mobile shaved ice truck evolved into a national franchise with over 1,400 units in 48 states.
Company History: The brand was created to offer a fun, family-friendly experience with a focus on community fundraising.
Ownership: Privately owned, with Tony Lamb serving as the CEO.
Market Presence in India: Currently, Kona Ice does not operate in India, but it is well-positioned for international expansion.
Industry Category: Food & Beverage (Mobile Dessert / Shaved Ice Franchise)
Kona Ice offers an extensive onboarding program to ensure franchisees are fully prepared. Support includes:
Initial 3-day KONA Kollege training at headquarters
Mobile operating training with real-world experience
Marketing and community engagement strategies
Ongoing support via regional directors, web-based training tools, and franchisee forums
Fleet management and maintenance training
The support team helps with business launch, operations, and sustained growth.
The ideal Kona Ice franchisee is:
Entrepreneurial and community-focused
Passionate about working with children, schools, and nonprofits
Driven to create flexible income streams
Seeking a family-friendly, low-overhead business
Comfortable with hands-on operations and event-based scheduling
No food service experience is required, making it perfect for first-time business owners or those seeking semi-absentee ownership.
Established: 2007
Franchise Units (USA): 1,400+
Franchise Fee: $15,000
Total Investment Range: $149,995 – $189,300
Minimum Investment: $149,995
Royalty Fee: None (unique among franchises)
Marketing Fee: Low, based on truck count
Kona Ice’s mobile business model eliminates the need for real estate, reducing costs and increasing flexibility.
