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.
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.
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.
