About Kona Ice
Kona Ice isn’t just another shaved ice company—it’s a mobile experience designed to bring people together. Founded in 2007, Kona Ice was created with a simple idea: make the classic ice cream truck experience cleaner, friendlier, and more community-focused.
It all began when our founder, Tony Lamb, watched his youngest daughter, Ava, hesitate to approach a run-down ice cream truck and asked: “What if this experience could be better?”
From that spark, Kona Ice was born, founded on:
Clean, eye-catching trucks
Friendly, professional servers
Delicious, customizable shaved ice
A commitment to making a difference in every community served
Today, Kona Ice franchisees bring these same values to a wide variety of events nationwide, including schools, corporate gatherings, fundraisers, festivals, weddings, sports events, and community celebrations, creating memorable, family-friendly experiences wherever they go.
From One Truck to a Nationwide Brand
Since launching the first Kona Ice truck in 2007, the brand has grown rapidly thanks to innovation, strong franchisee support, and a customer-first mindset. Today, Kona Ice includes:
Kona Ice has also consistently been recognized by Franchise Business Review, earning #1 in “Franchise Satisfaction” year after year, along with awards for “Top Franchises for Women” and “Top Franchises for Culture.”
What began as a single shaved ice truck has become one of the largest shaved ice franchise companies in the world—and we’re just getting started. Each year, Kona Ice continues to evolve with new flavors, healthier options, technology improvements, and new mobile opportunities for franchise owners.
Our Brand: The Kona Ice Experience
The Kona Ice brand is one of our greatest strengths—and it’s built to be instantly recognizable, memorable, and fun. Wherever a Kona Ice truck arrives, it brings more than shaved ice—it brings an experience.
That experience is built on four key elements:
The Truck
The Kona Ice truck—also known as the Kona Entertainment Vehicle (KEV)—is the most visible part of our brand and often the first impression. Bright, colorful, and full of personality, it draws attention and creates excitement wherever it goes.
The Product
The Kona Ice menu goes far beyond traditional shaved ice and snow cones. With more than 70 exclusive Kreations® flavors, plus Fruit First, Vita-Blend, sugar-free, and smoothie-style options, there’s something for everyone. Each cup is made fresh to order and customizable using the signature Flavorwave® self-serve system, making the Kona Ice experience truly unique.
Kona the Penguin
Kona the Penguin is the heart of our brand. You’ll find him on our trucks, across social media, and even appearing as our official mascot at events. He represents everything Kona Ice stands for—fun, positivity, and community connection.
The Kona Experience
Together, these elements create the full Kona Ice experience—but it goes even further. From tropical music and colorful visuals to the delicious shaved ice and friendly customer service, every detail is designed to create a moment customers remember.
That consistent experience is what makes the Kona Ice brand so powerful. Customers don’t just recognize Kona Ice, they remember how it made them feel.
Join the Kona Ice Family
If you’re looking for a shaved ice or snow cone franchise company built on innovation, community, and a proven business model, Kona Ice offers a unique opportunity to own a business that makes a difference.
With industry-leading support, a powerful brand, and a mobile business model, Kona Ice makes it easier than ever to build something meaningful.
