90

Cash Required

$20,000

Total Startup Investment

$124,750 - $147,550

Net Worth Required

$25,000

Year Founded

2007

Franchising Since

2008

US/Canada Franchise Units

1052

Cash Required	$20,000
Total Startup Investment	$124,750 - $147,550
Net Worth Required	$25,000
Year Founded	2007
Franchising Since	2008
US/Canada Franchise Units	1052

Franchise Owner Reviews

Reviewed by 387 franchise owners (72% of owners)

Verified Kona Ice Franchise Owner Reviews

Steve, Overall Brand Rating: 99 FSI

Single Unit Owner, Large Market (250,000-499,999 population)

"The franchisee community of Kona is made up of the best people. Not just good business people, but genuinely NICE people, who care about each other." - Steve, Kona Ice Franchise Owner

Russell, Overall Brand Rating: 97 FSI

Multi-Unit Owner, Small Market (50,000-99,999) and Medium Market (100,000 - 249,000)

"Tony [Lamb] lives the values he talks about. I trust him completely. If there was something the brand could do to improve my ROI as a franchisee it would be to partner with national PTA organizations to get greater exposure with schools. Also, partner with national companies (Walmart, etc) to provide more opportunities for our trucks to be allowed to park in their lots and set up fixed locations." - Russell, Kona Ice Franchise Owner

Frances, Overall Brand Rating: 96 FSI

Multi-Unit Owner, (50,000-99,999)

"I think senior manegement is wonderful. They know the struggles of the business, because most of them are running their own franchises. I love this idea! When they speak, I shut up and listen. Because they know what they are talking about." - Frances, Kona Ice Franchsie Owner

Lisa, Overall Brand Rating: 94 FSI

Single Unit Owner, Very Small Market (Under 50,000)

"The franchise system is like no other that we have researched. As a business owner in other areas, we have not been able to poke holes in the business model for Kona and the relationship with corporate has been one of caring and community." - Lisa, Kona Ice Franchise Owner

Kona Ice Expert Review

With an emphasis on franchisee satisfaction and giving back, the brand has witnessed explosive growth and success over the last decade. Today, Kona Ice has more than 1,000 trucks rolling across the nation, an impressive feat for a brand that began in 2007 with its first truck in Boone County, Kentucky.

Not only has Kona Ice consistently ranked as a top franchise on FBR’s “Top Franchises List,” Tony Lamb, founder and CEO says that several franchisees have brought in over $1 million in annual sales. Their charitable contributions are equally impressive; to date, the chain has raised more than $50 million for local charities.

Kona Ice may be an appealing franchise opportunity for those looking to enter the food and beverage space without a massive investment. The tradeoff is that you’ll be primarily selling one product: shaved ice. If you don’t mind a limited product set and you’re ok with staying mobile, Kona Ice is a great franchise brand that has been rated highly year after year by the franchisees that own it. Franchisees are especially happy with the Kona Ice community and corporate leadership.

Our Bottom Line: If you are looking for an affordable food franchise on wheels, with strong leadership, a priority on philanthropy and highly satisfied franchisees, Kona Ice may be for you.