Imagine owning a business that not only brings joy to people’s lives but also offers the freedom to be on the move, serving premium beverages anywhere your community gathers. That’s the exciting opportunity the Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck franchise offers. Whether fueling professionals at the office park, warming up the crowd at a chilly sporting event, or cooling beachgoers on a bright sunny day, Travelin’ Tom’s delivers smiles year-round with every cup.
Tim Valiant became a Kona Ice franchise owner in 2012 and a Travelin’ Tom’s franchise owner in 2021. His operation includes seven Kona Ice Trucks and three Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Trucks. Over the years, Travelin’ Tom’s has grown beyond anything Tim could have imagined. He credits the business’s success to two simple factors: The proven business models of the Kona Ice and Travelin’ Tom’s brands and the amazing team of employees who drive the trucks and deliver the goodness.
“After having experienced Kona Ice rapidly growing from nothing to becoming a household name and a world-class brand,” Tim said, “I had no hesitation when the Travelin’ Tom’s franchise rolled out. I knew Tom’s would follow the same trajectory, perhaps faster, farther, and higher!”
“It’s exciting owning both Kona Ice and Travelin’ Tom’s businesses. In our climate, Kona has a five to six-month season. Thankfully, they also have indoor units (the Mini Truck), which we operate all year, though it is much slower during the winter. Travelin’ Tom’s is year-round, and it’s much more than coffee! Believe the hype! Our premium beverage trucks offer a wide variety of delicious iced, frozen, and warm coffee drinks, plus hot chocolate, chia, cider, lemonade, Strawberry Acai Refreshers, Peach Mango Refreshers, Nitro energy drinks, and more. People absolutely love the products! We serve our community anywhere and everywhere people are. We often bring both trucks to the same events, so there’s truly something for everyone.”
Getting Crafty with a Travelin’ Tom’s Craft Coffee Truck
“When we first started, we faced two major challenges. First, I don’t drink coffee. I didn’t know anything about coffee. So, I had to learn. Then, our biggest challenge was not being ready for the demand for the product. Yes, the truck is beautiful. Yes, we can serve faster than anyone in the industry. However, the product’s variety, quality, taste, and popularity drove our business faster than we imagined! We addressed this happy challenge by getting a second and a third truck.”
“Hiring staff is also different with Travelin’ Tom’s. For example, with Kona Ice Trucks, we have a five to six-month outdoor selling season. So, hiring staff for only half a year can be challenging. However, with Travelin’ Tom’s, we serve year-round, so we can offer year-round employment and great career paths. I believe every person should be able to wake up in the morning and look forward to their day! I want my employees to be excited about what they do and be fulfilled by their work. With Tom’s, we can provide that opportunity, and that’s very rewarding!”
Tim’s Advice to Potential Travelin’ Tom’s Franchise Owners
“Starting any new business is not for the faint of heart. It’s hard work! There are days and weeks when you don’t see the fruits of your labor. But, with Tom’s, you have a beautiful truck with a fantastic product and unparalleled corporate support from a franchise system with a ‘franchisee-first’ mentality. Most franchisees start behind the wheel and at the window, serving people. So, franchise owners should enjoy interacting with people and integrating their businesses within their communities. Many franchise owners eventually hire staff to drive the trucks and serve the beverages so they can manage operations and grow the business.”
“Travelin’ Tom’s provides all the training and support you’ll need, including an intensive and fun three-day training in the Coffee Academy at their corporate office, plus ongoing training and support from corporate and a business coach. The only missing ingredient is someone willing to get in that truck and literally drive their business forward. I advise new franchise owners to learn the equipment and the product, follow the proven process, and then deliver smiles to your community. I tell new franchise owners to focus on getting the product in front of people—the business model is set up for you to succeed.”
Interested In Serving Up Smiles with the Travelin’ Tom’s Franchise
This could be your perfect venture if you’re passionate about owning a mobile business with proven success and a top-tier support system—not to mention a product people love! Take the wheel and explore the endless possibilities of Travelin’ Tom’s.
To learn more about the Travelin’ Tom’s Franchise Opportunity, visit travelintomscoffee.com or email ownacoffeetruck@
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