Kona Ice Franchise Adds ‘Flavor’, Raises Standard of Mobile Treat Industry
Union, KY – Every time a Kona Ice entertainment vehicle arrives at a school function, sporting event, or simply drives around the street corner, the franchisee becomes an instant local celebrity. The line quickly forms as kids wait a turn to drench their cup of fresh snow with the sweet tropical flavor of their choice.
In fact, some predict that Kona Ice, now with 63 franchises in 23 states and the District of Columbia, will be a cultural phenomenon in America. One thing’s for sure – its crisp, clean trucks and revolutionary design certainly are changing the way America thinks about the stereotypical ice cream truck. The franchisor anticipates 500 Kona Ice franchises nationwide in the next five years alone.
Each custom built Kona Ice mobile franchise introduces the Kona Ice characters in their island setting while playing a mix of timeless music set to a tropical beat. The truck, referred to as a Kona Entertainment Vehicle (KEV), features the patented “Flavor Wave” where customers can pour their own flavors onto the ice—with literally thousands of combinations—making it a fun, interactive experience for kids.
Tony Lamb, who founded Kona Ice in 2007, said the company strives to make a difference in communities by partnering with schools, sports leagues, churches and other organizations for fundraisers and festivals. In fact, Kona Ice has already raised more than $250,000 for such causes in communities around the country. Kona Ice entertainment vehicles are also available for private parties or other special events.
“I personally see us as one of the things that’s right with America,” Lamb said. “We’re excited, incredibly driven, entrepreneurs creating this company that is becoming as much a fixture in Americana as baseball, apple pie, July 4th parades, little league games and summers in the park.”
Kona Ice is quickly gaining traction among community-minded entrepreneurs. Particularly in today’s real-estate market, franchisees have been attracted to the mobile concept, which requires no real-estate investment and a fixed $3,000 annual royalty – highly unusual in the franchise industry. The Kona Ice franchise opportunity also offers low overhead and built-in retail merchandise for extra profits, such as branded apparel.
Lamb’s idea for the franchise was inspired by his daughter’s first encounter with a traditional ice cream truck, which consisted of scratchy music, a beat up vehicle and freezer-burned treats. Lamb noted his daughter was actually frightened by the experience.
“We’ve created an entirely new positive and professional experience in mobile treats,” Lamb said. “Our franchisees are becoming part of the fabric that makes up the community.”
Source: Kona Ice (www.kona-ice.com)
