Kona Ice Franchising FAQs

Thinking about starting a Kona Ice franchise? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re wondering how much it costs to own a Kona Ice truck, what franchise territories are available, or how the company got started, we’ve got the answers.

Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about owning a Kona Ice franchise—from startup costs and franchise requirements to support, training, and the steps to start your own mobile shaved ice business.

Ready to learn? Let’s get started.

About Kona Ice

What is Kona Ice? When was it founded?

Kona Ice is a mobile shaved ice franchise that brings a fun, interactive experience directly to communities through colorful, custom-built trucks. Founded in 2007, Kona Ice serves schools, sports events, festivals, private parties, and more across the United States and beyond.

Known for its signature Flavorwave® self-serve system and proprietary menu with over 70 Kreations® flavors, Kona Ice combines delicious treats with a flexible, community-focused business model.

Who founded Kona Ice?

Kona Ice was founded and is owned by Tony Lamb. With a background in sales and a talent for business growth, Tony has grown Kona Ice from a single truck into a nationwide franchise.

His leadership and the company’s unique model have been featured on national media—including the How I Built This podcast with Guy Raz and the From A to Franchisee podcast by Franchise Business Review—and in business press like Entrepreneur, Inc.com, Franchise Times, Forbes, and Franchising.com.

In 2025, Tony was also honored as an Entrepreneur Of The Year East Central Award winner by EY, reflecting his visionary leadership and impact on the franchise industry.

How many Kona Ice franchises are there? Where are they located?

Kona Ice is a rapidly growing, nationwide brand with 2,500+ units operated by 700+ franchisees across 50 states.

Our mobile business model allows franchisees to serve a wide variety of communities—from small towns to major metro areas—bringing the Kona Ice experience directly to customers wherever they are.

How does Kona Ice rank among other franchises?

Since being named Entrepreneur’s #1 New Franchise in 2012, Kona Ice has continued to rank among the top franchises in the Franchise 500® list each year.

“Kona Ice has won our annual Franchisee Satisfaction Award every year since 2014… placing Kona in our Hall of Fame for having some of the highest owner satisfaction in franchising.” – Franchise Business Review

Kona Ice is also consistently ranked among Franchise Business Review’s best franchises to own, earning top honors year after year for culture, satisfaction, innovation, and as a standout franchise for women and veterans.

Our most recent Franchise Business Review awards include:

Satisfaction Awards: Top Franchises for Women 2026
Satisfaction Awards: Top Franchises 2026
Franchisee Excellence Awards 2026

Why shaved ice?

Shaved ice is a highly profitable, low-overhead business with broad appeal for all ages. At Kona Ice, franchisees benefit from:

Proprietary Flavors: Over 70 exclusive Kreations® flavors, plus seasonal and specialty options, giving customers a product they can’t get anywhere else.

Made-to-Order Quality: Each cup is freshly crafted, featuring the patented Flavorwave® self-serve system for a fun, interactive experience.

Low Food Costs & Efficient Operations: Shelf-stable ingredients, minimal waste, and streamlined inventory keep overhead around 6%, far below the industry average.

Health-Conscious Options: Smart Snack® compliant blends, lower-calorie Vita-Blend options, and sugar-free flavors meet demand for healthier choices.

Strong Profit Potential: Low food costs, minimal waste, and high customer appeal make shaved ice a product that supports a profitable business.

Franchise Costs & Requirements

How much does it cost to open a Kona Ice franchise?

Wondering how much a Kona Ice truck costs? We’re proud of the fact that the initial investment to join Kona Ice is lower than most other franchise systems. The two primary elements of the investment include:

$15,000 Franchise Fee
$151,950 Truck Cost

Full financial information is disclosed in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), available once you begin the application process or upon request. The estimated initial investment ranges from $102,365 to $226,841.

To see a full breakdown of the costs associated with owning a Kona Ice franchise, visit our Pricing Page.

What is included with my Kona Ice truck?

When you start a Kona Ice franchise, you receive much more than just a truck—you get a fully equipped, turnkey business. Your Kona Entertainment Vehicle (KEV) includes:

A state-of-the-art shaved ice system with high-speed service capability
Kona’s signature Flavorwave®, allowing customers to customize their own flavors
Eye-catching custom wrap and digital signage
Built-in sound system and tropical experience elements
NSF-approved equipment and a custom fiberglass interior
Lithium battery system for quiet, efficient operation
Full training, software, and operational support systems

Plus, you’ll gain access to Kona Ice’s proprietary flavors, business software, training programs, and ongoing support—everything you need to hit the ground running from day one.

What are Kona Ice’s requirements for potential franchise partners?

Successful Kona Ice franchisees bring a strong personal commitment and active involvement—especially during the initial stages of launching their business. Kona Ice is a hands-on, owner/operator opportunity, and the best way to learn the model is by getting out in the community and running your truck.

The ideal Kona Ice franchise partner brings enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and a passion for delivering fun, memorable experiences while growing their own business. Successful franchisees often share the following qualities:

Strong personal commitment
Owner/operator mindset
Customer service focused
Team leadership skills
Business acumen
Culture and team-oriented mindset
Brand advocate mentality
Desire for flexibility and business ownership

In addition, prospective franchise partners should have recommended liquidity of $25,000 to get started.

Do I need previous experience in the food industry to own a Kona Ice truck?

No prior food service experience is necessary to succeed with a Kona Ice franchise. The ideal franchise partner brings enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and a passion for delivering fun, memorable experiences while growing their own business.

Franchisees come from a wide range of backgrounds—including hospitality, retail, military, and corporate careers. If you’re excited to bring flavor, fun, and community impact to your area, a Kona Ice franchise could be the perfect fit.

What are Kona Ice’s franchise and royalty fees?

Kona Ice offers a simple, transparent fee structure designed to support franchisee growth and profitability. Our fixed royalty model means you keep more of what you earn—without paying a percentage of your revenue.

Franchise Fee:

$15,000 (included in the total franchise investment)

Fixed Annual Royalties:

$3,000 per year for Years 1–2

$4,000 per year for Years 3–6

$5,000 per year for Years 7–10

Unlike many franchises that charge a percentage of revenue, Kona Ice’s fixed royalty structure allows you to grow your business without increasing royalty costs as your sales increase.

Does Kona Ice offer financing plans to help cover the initial fees and startup costs?

Yes! After submitting a $20,000 cash deposit (covering your franchise fee and a $5,000 deposit on your truck) and receiving credit approval, Kona Ice can assist you in exploring financing options through our partner lenders.

Training & Support

What do I receive for the franchise fee and royalty payments?

Your franchise fee and royalty payments give you access to the full Kona Ice franchise system and Success Guide—designed to help you launch, operate, and grow your business. This includes:

Protected territory
Established and recognizable Kona Ice brand
Proprietary business software and technology tools
Marketing and branding resources
Ongoing brand development and innovation
Competitive pricing on supplies and vendor relationships
Access to operational systems and best practices
Online resources and training materials
24/7 equipment support, resources, and troubleshooting tools

These resources provide the foundation for building and growing your Kona Ice business.

What type of support and training will I receive after I sign the franchising agreement?

After signing your agreement, the Kona Ice team supports you every step of the way—from onboarding and launch to long-term growth. Support includes:

Roll Brands University Training – Hands-on training to prepare you to operate your Kona Ice business with confidence
Onboarding & Launch Support – Guidance through the startup process, timeline, and preparation for your first events
Operational Support & Mentorship – Access to experienced franchisees and corporate team members for real-world advice
Marketing & Graphic Design Support – In-house experts to help grow your local presence and maintain brand consistency
Technology & Software Support – Assistance from IT and software teams to keep your operations running smoothly
Online Training Modules – Ongoing education to help you refine operations and grow your business
24/7 Equipment Support – Skilled specialists available to help troubleshoot and answer technical questions
On-Demand Resources – QR-code tutorials and digital resources for quick answers in the field
Ongoing Training & Growth Opportunities – Continued learning through certifications, workshops, and company events

Our goal is to ensure you’re supported not just at launch, but throughout your entire Kona Ice journey. Learn more about our turnkey franchising system.

What marketing assistance is provided to franchisees?

Kona Ice provides comprehensive, hands-on marketing support to help you grow your business locally. Franchisees have access to:

In-house graphic designers and marketing specialists
Customizable, ready-to-use marketing assets
Email marketing and customer communication tools
Social media guidance and campaign support
Branded materials and signage

Our marketing team works alongside you to build awareness in your market, book events, and keep your calendar full—so you can focus on serving customers and growing your business.

How do I find events or locations to park my truck?

Kona Ice franchisees learn a process we call “event mining”—a proven strategy for finding the best opportunities to park your truck and maximize community engagement. During your training at Roll Brands University, you’ll learn how to identify events, build relationships with local organizations, and create a steady stream of appearances.

Thanks to our versatile shaved ice menu—including over 70 Kreations® flavors, Fruit First, Vita-Blend, sugar-free, and smoothie-style options—Kona Ice trucks offer something for everyone to enjoy. From schools and sports tournaments to festivals, corporate events, weddings, churches, and private parties, we bring fun and refreshment to any event type.

Ownership & Operations

How much territory do I get with a Kona Ice franchise? What territories are available?

Kona Ice territories are divided up by zip codes. Franchisees acquire a territory of zip codes that equal roughly 80,000 to 100,000 people in population.

Kona Ice territories are designed to provide franchisees with strong opportunities for growth and community engagement. Availability varies by region, so our team will work with you to identify the best available territory based on your preferred location and market opportunities. Reach out to learn what Kona Ice territories are currently available near you.

Where can I operate my Kona Ice truck?

Each franchisee is awarded an exclusive, protected territory—typically based on ZIP codes—where they can operate and grow their business.

Within that territory, you have the flexibility to serve a wide variety of locations and event types, including schools, neighborhoods, corporate offices, community events, and private parties.

Can I operate my Kona Ice franchise part-time?

Yes! One of the advantages of food truck franchising—and a Kona Ice franchise in particular—is its flexibility. Many franchisees start part-time while keeping another job, gradually learning the ropes and building their business.

As you gain experience and confidence, you can transition to full-time ownership if you choose, allowing you to grow at your own pace while enjoying the benefits of mobile business ownership.

Do I need employees to run a Kona Ice truck?

Not necessarily! Kona Ice is designed to be a low-labor, owner-operator-friendly business. Many franchisees start by running their truck solo or with the help of family members.

As your shaved ice business grows, you can choose to hire a small team to support events and expand your availability—but it’s completely scalable based on your goals.

Can I own more than one Kona Ice truck?

Yes! Kona Ice franchisees are welcome to purchase additional units to expand their reach. Multi-unit ownership is common, and there’s no limit to the number of trucks you can operate.

Once you’ve secured your flagship Kona Entertainment Vehicle (KEV), you can also add other equipment to serve a variety of events, including:

Kona Mini: Compact and self-contained, perfect for indoor gatherings or events with limited space.
Kona Kiosk: Features a retractable roof for easy towing, bold design, and efficient storage, perfect for drawing attention at events.

Whether you want to scale quickly or grow at your own pace, our system supports flexible, sustainable expansion across your territory.

How much money can a Kona Ice truck make?

Results vary for each franchise and we cannot estimate the revenue, profit, or owner salary for a particular Kona Ice franchise. Earnings depend on a variety of factors, including your schedule, number of events, staffing, level of owner involvement, and local community demand.

Many franchisees appreciate the flexibility of the Kona Ice business model, which allows them to scale their operations based on their goals—whether that means running a single truck part-time or building a multi-truck business.

During the discovery process, we encourage prospective franchisees to speak directly with current owners to learn more about their experiences and what’s possible with a Kona Ice franchise.

Getting Started

Why should I franchise with Kona Ice?

This is the most important question you can ask. Jumping into a new business is a big decision, but joining a franchise like Kona Ice allows you to capitalize on a business model which has been proven successful. If you’re looking to invest in a fun and exciting business, there’s no better time than now to join the Kona Ice family. Check out some of the great reasons to franchise with us:

Industry-Leading Equipment – Our trucks are designed to stand out, operate efficiently, and thrive in high-traffic environments. Plus, our software simplifies scheduling, reporting, marketing, and operations.

Proprietary Flavors – With over 70 Kreations® flavors, Fruit First, Vita-Blend, and more, your menu will always stand apart.

Unmatched Corporate Support – From marketing and graphics to equipment and operations guidance, our team is always ready to help.

Established Brand – With over 15 years in business and thousands of trucks nationwide, Kona Ice is instantly recognizable and trusted.

Fixed Royalty Structure – Keep the rewards of your hard work without worrying about percentage-based royalties.

Comprehensive Training – Roll Brands University plus ongoing certifications and workshops equip you with the skills to succeed.

Do Kona Ice franchisees enjoy owning their business? What are the satisfaction ratings?

Yes, Kona Ice franchisees consistently report high satisfaction with their business ownership experience. According to independent research from Franchise Business Review, Kona Ice earns some of the strongest franchisee satisfaction ratings in the industry.

In the July 2025 Franchise Owner Satisfaction Report:

97% of franchisees said they would recommend Kona Ice to others
93% said they respect their franchisor
92% said they enjoy operating their business

Kona Ice also received an overall satisfaction score of 99 out of 100, with Excellent ratings across key categories including:

Want to dive deeper? Visit Franchise Business Review to download the detailed Kona Ice Franchisee Satisfaction Report, or visit our Testimonials page to hear directly from current franchise owners.

How long does it take to start a Kona Ice franchise?

Compared to starting a brand new food truck operation, Kona Ice offers extremely quick startup times. We estimate that it takes about 30-60 days to get your Kona Ice truck business up and running once you have been approved.

How do I start my own Kona Ice truck franchise?

Gather information — Soak up as much information as you can find on this website, which is dedicated to Kona Ice franchising. You’ll find helpful resources about pricing, our turnkey system, training, and support, as well as testimonials from franchisees about what it’s like to own a Kona Ice truck.
Contact us — Once you’ve decided to move forward with franchising please fill out our interest form. A Kona Ice representative will reach out regarding next steps!

Start Your Franchising Journey

Still have questions or excited to get started? Either way, our interest form is the perfect next step to begin your Kona Ice franchise adventure!

GET STARTED TODAY