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Kona Ice Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)

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

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

Franchisees

?

1816
+
22%
22%
Franchise fee

?

$15,000
Investment

?

$179,000 - $227,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

Undisclosed

$0

+
n.a.
n.a.
Upgrade

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

The initial investment required for a Kona Ice franchise is $179,000 - $227,000. That is the total cost you would need to finance 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

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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

Below is Kona Ice's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.

Number of units

Kona Ice had 1820 total units in 2025, of which 1816 were franchised-owned and 4 company-owned.

Competitors

Below are some of

Kona Ice

key competitors in the

Ice Cream

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Royalty fee
Total investment
Revenue
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

1816

New
+
22%
22%

$3,000 - $5,000 per year

$179,000

-

$227,000

$0

n.a.

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Competitors

Below are some of Kona Ice's key competitors in the Ice Cream sector.

Alsies

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$129,000 - $190,000
Revenue

?

Upgrade

The Meadows Original Frozen Custard

Franchisees

?

29
+
21%
21%
Investment

?

$134,000 - $512,000
Revenue

?

Upgrade

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$696,000 - $1,266,000
Revenue

?

Upgrade

Morelia Gourmet Paletas

Franchisees

?

15
+
150%
150%
Investment

?

$116,000 - $387,000
Revenue

?

Upgrade

Dumont Creamery and Café

Franchisees

?

1
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$271,000 - $573,000
Revenue

?

Upgrade

Fosters Freeze

Franchisees

?

61
+
-5%
-5%
Investment

?

$178,000 - $1,009,000
Revenue

?

Upgrade

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