Kona Ice Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Mobile shaved ice truck franchise bringing tropical-flavored shaved ice treats to events and communities, offering a refreshing and customizable dessert experience.

Kona Ice, founded by Tony Lamb in 2007, is a dynamic and rapidly expanding franchise known for its mobile Hawaiian-style shaved ice trucks. Headquartered in Florence, Kentucky, the company began franchising in 2008.

Since then, Kona Ice has grown significantly across the United States, offering a unique twist on the traditional ice cream truck with its shaved ice and a wide array of flavors delivered through the patented Flavorwave® system.

Kona Ice offers a quick and straightforward startup process, enabling aspiring entrepreneurs to swiftly realize their business ambitions.

The franchise is deeply committed to community engagement, allowing franchisees to make meaningful contributions to their local areas through various giveback programs. This community focus not only enhances the brand’s appeal but also fosters widespread recognition and respect in the communities it serves.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $15,000
KEV and Installed Equipment $151,491 to $157,491
Training Expenses $140 to $950
KEV Delivery $0 to $10,000
KEV Compliance Fee $0 to $7,000
KEV Insurance for 3 Months $1,000 to $2,100
Tax, Title, and Licensing of KEV $1,000 to $8,000
Initial Inventory $9,975
Optional Inventory $0 to $225
Permits and Licenses $250 to $1,500
Real Estate or KEV Storage $0 to $4,000
Computer System and Software $0 to $1,000
Additional Funds – 3 Months $0 to $9,600
Total Estimated Initial Investment $178,856 to $226,841
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $15,000
KEV and Installed Equipment $151,491 to $157,491
Training Expenses $140 to $950
KEV Delivery $0 to $10,000
KEV Compliance Fee $0 to $7,000
KEV Insurance for 3 Months $1,000 to $2,100
Tax, Title, and Licensing of KEV $1,000 to $8,000
Initial Inventory $9,975
Optional Inventory $0 to $225
Permits and Licenses $250 to $1,500
Real Estate or KEV Storage $0 to $4,000
Computer System and Software $0 to $1,000
Additional Funds – 3 Months $0 to $9,600
Total Estimated Initial Investment $178,856 to $226,841

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training 

The franchisor provides a variety of training programs for Kona Ice franchisees, ensuring both initial and ongoing education to support the successful operation of the franchise. Here’s an overview of the training provided:

Initial Training Kona Kollege: Before opening a Kona Ice franchise, the Managing Owner and any designated manager or representative required by the franchisor must complete this comprehensive training program.

Kona Kollege covers all essential aspects of operating a Kona Ice franchise, including the use and maintenance of the Kona Entertainment Vehicle (KEV) and its equipment, sales techniques, customer service, and operational protocols. The initial training is provided at no cost for one attendee, with hotel and airfare covered for one attendee. Additional participants can attend for a fee.

Training Program: This initial training consists of both classroom instruction and hands-on training at the franchisor's corporate office. Key topics include KEV & Equipment Operation and Maintenance, Field Sales, and Customer Service.

Ongoing Training The franchisor may periodically require franchisees, their managers, and other employees to attend refresher or additional training courses, which may be optional or mandatory.

This includes training for newly-hired personnel on the Kona Ice brand and System Standards through the learning management system, as well as courses on new operational procedures, products, or services. Additional fees may apply for this training.

Territory Protection

The franchisor provides territory protection to Kona Ice franchisees by granting them a "Protected Territory," defined by one or more adjacent zip codes. Franchisees are permitted to directly advertise and solicit clients only within their Protected Territory unless they receive approval from the franchisor.

During the term of the Franchise Agreement, and as long as the franchisee is not in default, the franchisor and its affiliates will not operate or grant a franchise for a similar or competitive business within the Protected Territory.

The franchisee has the exclusive right to operate the Kona Ice business within their Protected Territory under the terms of the Franchise Agreement, while the franchisor and its affiliates reserve all other rights.

Competitors

Below are some of

Kona Ice

key competitors in the

Ice Cream

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
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Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
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1816

New
+
22%
22%

$15,000

$179,000

$227,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Winchell's Donut House

Winchell's Donut House is a bakery-café franchise offering donuts, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee, serving morning commuters and late-night guests, and known for classic selections, fresh bakes, and neighborhood convenience.

Franchisees

?

105
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$3,000 - $72,000

Sloan's

Sloan's is an ice cream and sweets franchise offering premium ice creams, chocolates, candy, and bakery items, serving families and dessert lovers, and known for whimsical décor, indulgent flavors, and a playful, imaginative experience.

Franchisees

?

4
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$581,000 - $1,503,000

Hokulia Shave Ice

Hokulia Shave Ice is a dessert franchise offering authentic Hawaiian shave ice with tropical syrups and add-ons, serving families and event guests, and known for generous portions, beach-inspired branding, and mobile catering flexibility.

Franchisees

?

49
+
4%
4%
Investment

?

$86,000 - $930,000

Tifa

Tifa is a dessert & café franchise offering artisan gelato, chocolates, espressos, pastries, and sweets, serving dessert aficionados and café guests, and known for its warm café atmosphere, handcrafted flavors, and community focus. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Franchisees

?

9
+
200%
200%
Investment

?

$500,000 - $676,000

Ice Cream Emergency

Ice Cream Emergency is a mobile dessert franchise offering on-demand ice cream trucks or carts serving events, campuses, and neighborhoods, serving dessert lovers of all ages, and known for mobility, event flexibility, and fun branding.

Franchisees

?

14
+
133%
133%
Investment

?

$147,000 - $162,000

Repicci's Real Italian

Repicci’s Real Italian is a dessert franchise offering authentic Italian ice, gelato, and frozen treats, serving families and dessert lovers, and known for real ingredients, regional recipes, and high-quality frozen desserts.

Franchisees

?

26
+
160%
160%
Investment

?

$84,000 - $173,000