Summer is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear about shaved ice and cool fruity flavors. And of all the mobile dessert companies out there, one name stands out throughout neighborhoods, schools, sporting events, and even corporate events — Kona Ice.
With a massive 1,500 units throughout the United States, Kona Ice has established itself as a family-oriented, community-focused company that provides ambitious entrepreneurs with a thrilling business venture. If you’re considering joining this fun and profitable journey, understanding the Kona Ice franchise cost is a crucial first step.
If you’ve ever wondered how to open a Kona Ice franchise, this guide is for you. We’ll dive deep into the startup costs, operational expectations, and what makes Kona Ice a standout franchise in the mobile food industry. Whether you’re looking for a seasonal side hustle or a full-time business venture, Kona Ice could be the perfect flavor-packed fit.
Why Choose Kona Ice?
Established in 2007 by Tony Lamb, Kona Ice gained popularity within a short period of time thanks to its innovative business model—a tropical-themed truck offering flavored shaved ice with a self-serve flavorwave station adding a fun interactive element. The colorful trucks, upbeat music, and community-oriented strategy make it a favorite with kids and parents alike.
Most importantly, though, Kona Ice’s emphasis on low overhead, high mobility, and giving back to the community (they’ve given away over $100 million to local groups) makes it not only a great fun business but an incredibly rewarding one.
It’s no wonder, therefore, that Entrepreneur Magazine regularly includes Kona Ice in its lists of Top Low-Cost Franchises and Top Food Franchises year in and year out.
How Much Does a Kona Ice Franchise Cost?
Knowing the financial investment is important before venturing into the world of franchises. Fortunately, Kona Ice keeps its costs open, and in comparison to the majority of food franchises, its entry cost is relatively low.
Initial Franchise Fee: The initial franchise fee for a Kona Ice unit is $15,000. The fee gets you the rights to do business with one Kona Ice truck within a specified territory.
Total Startup Cost: The estimated total investment to open a Kona Ice franchise is between $149,995 and $189,300, varying on factors such as your location, equipment requirements, and vehicle choice.
This investment covers: Kona Ice Truck (KEV – Kona Entertainment Vehicle): Fully equipped and custom-built. The KEV is the core of the business.
- Starting inventory and supplies
- Training and launch
- Marketing materials
- Licenses and insurance
- Uniforms and branded apparel
Franchise Renewal Fee: Franchise contracts are for 10 years, with renewal charges being low in relation to regular franchises, maintaining long-term expenses at bay.
What You Get for Your Investment
One of Kona Ice’s greatest selling points is the value in its startup expense. The company is famous for its “turnkey” franchise business: everything you’ll need to get going is included upfront.
The Kona Truck (KEV 2.0)
This is not your average truck. The KEV is built to be an on-the-go marketing machine:
- Tropical-branded, full-wrap design
- Climate-controlled serve area
- Self-serve Flavorwave dispense with up to 10 syrups
- Pre-installed music and LED lighting
- Industrial-strength ice shaver
- NSF-approved for food safety
Kona Ice continuously upgrades its vehicle technology and design, providing franchisees with state-of-the-art tools to efficiently serve customers.
Training & Support
All franchisees participate in a detailed 3-day training program at the Kona Ice corporate offices in Florence, Kentucky. The training is in operations, marketing, health and safety, and route management.
- Additional support involves:
- Access to a web portal
- Marketing templates
- Access to bulk orders of products
- Business coaching and regional support managers
Revenue Potential: How Much Can You Make?
While Kona Ice does not reveal average incomes in its FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document), franchisee affidavits and third-party reports do give us some idea.
Most franchisees say they bring in between $50,000 and $100,000, with some multi-unit owners or very active owners reporting more than $150,000 in net profit.
Income rests largely on:
- Seasonality (particularly in cold-state locations)
- Local events and sponsorships
- School and nonprofit fundraising events
- Your individual effort and hours worked
One huge bonus is that overheads are minimal, no rent, no big workforce, and little waste. That translates to better profit margins than with conventional brick-and-mortar food ventures.
Ideal Franchisee Profile
Kona Ice seeks franchisees of all backgrounds. You don’t have to have previous experience in food service or business to be eligible.
That being said, successful franchisees tend to possess the following characteristics:
- Strong roots in the community
- Enthusiasm for working with children and families
- High energy and interpersonal skills
- Willingness to roll up their sleeves
- Relevant and customer-oriented
It’s also an attractive venture for:
- Educators seeking a summer business
- Retirees
- Stay-at-home parents who want supplemental income
- Military veterans (Kona Ice gives veterans a $10,000 discount)
Franchise Territories and Expansion
Every Kona Ice franchise includes a protected territory, so no other KEV can be in your area of operation. This provides market exclusivity and enables you to develop strong local relationships without in-house competition.
After successfully running a single unit, Kona Ice provides multi-unit opportunities for multi-unit franchisees wanting to expand.
Pros and Cons of a Kona Ice Franchise
Pros
- Low initial investment when compared to other food chains
- Turnkey business model
- Very high profit margins
- Wide appeal within community
- Low overhead for operation
- Flexible scheduling
Cons
- Seasonal business in most U.S. states
- Physical labor in setup and service
- Strong self-marketing and networking required
Steps to Open a Kona Ice Franchise
If you’re ready to dive in, here’s how the process typically unfolds:
1. Submit an Application: Start by filling out a form on the Kona Ice Franchise Website. You’ll be contacted by a development representative to discuss your goals and background.
2. Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD): You’ll receive the FDD, which outlines every detail about Kona Ice’s model, costs, legal obligations, and earnings information.
3. Attend Discovery Day: Prospective franchisees are encouraged to come to Kentucky to meet the staff, visit the KEV up close, and experience the full Kona culture.
4. Obtain Financing: You will need to have $20,000–$30,000 in liquid assets. The balance of the investment may be financed by:
- SBA loans
- Equipment leasing
- Personal loans
- Rollover for Business Startups (ROBS)
- Kona Ice has lender partnerships to assist you in getting funded more quickly.
5. Sign Franchise Agreement & Start Training: Once the paperwork is signed, you’ll begin training and prep for your vehicle delivery and business launch.
6. Hit the Road: After training, you’ll receive your KEV and officially start your Kona Ice journey, booking events, building partnerships, and delivering smiles.
Kona Ice Franchise vs. Other Food Trucks
In relation to other traditional food trucks or dessert chains, Kona Ice is unique in that it has:
- Low complexity (you don’t cook)
- High scalability
- Kid-friendly branding
- Few health infractions because of clean, simple operations
And you don’t have to concern yourself with perishables, huge menus, or high turnover staff.
You may also read this: Chipotle Franchise Cost
Final Thoughts
Opening a Kona Ice franchise offers more than just a business—it’s a lifestyle. You’re not only selling a product; you’re selling joy, especially to kids and families who associate Kona Ice with happiness and fun.
With its successful business model, robust support group, and low startup cost, Kona Ice is an attractive venture for budding entrepreneurs in the U.S. If you are passionate about community, entrepreneurial, and a sunshine and smile fan, Kona Ice could be your next great step.
Ready to relax and bank? Now’s the time to snag your place in this expanding shaved ice empire.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Kona Ice a good franchise to invest in?
Yes, especially if you’re looking for a low-cost, community-focused, and mobile business. Its high margins, national brand recognition, and low overhead make it a top pick among food-based franchises.
2. What is the franchise fee for Kona Ice?
The franchise fee is $15,000 for a single unit.
3. How much capital do I need to start?
You’ll need around $149,995 to $189,300 in total investment, with at least $20,000–$30,000 in liquid capital available.
3. Can I operate year-round?
Yes, but your income may be higher in spring and summer. In warmer states like Florida or Texas, many franchisees operate year-round. In colder states, it’s more seasonal.
4. Does Kona Ice help with marketing?
Yes. The company provides marketing materials, branding tools, a business management portal, and online promotional support. However, your local networking plays a crucial role in driving sales.
5. Can I operate more than one truck?
Absolutely. Many successful Kona Ice operators expand to multiple trucks and grow their business into a multi-unit enterprise.
