Kona Ice

Kona Ice is an independent mobile shaved ice franchise based in Florence, Kentucky. The company was founded in 2007 by Tony Lamb, who set out to reimagine the classic ice cream truck by offering customizable shaved ice from brightly branded trucks. In its first year, Kona Ice operated just five trucks, but began franchising in 2008, which quickly accelerated its growth.

A major milestone came in 2012 with the introduction of the Kona Mini, a smaller, indoor-friendly unit that enabled franchisees to serve customers at events and venues throughout the year. Over the past five years, Kona Ice has focused on expanding its reach across the United States and Canada, with particular growth in the Midwest, Southeast, and Western states. The company has targeted both high-event-density areas and underserved suburban and rural communities, while also investing in new mobile formats to increase its market presence.

As of November 2025, Kona Ice operates 1,400 mobile units, all run by franchisees, with no traditional retail storefronts. The brand is a familiar presence at schools, sports fields, festivals, and private gatherings, known for its interactive service and community engagement. Kona Ice has also built a reputation for philanthropy, donating over $25 million to local organizations since its founding, and is consistently recognized as one of the top franchise opportunities in the country.

The company’s exclusive focus on mobile operations offers flexibility and scalability, allowing franchisees to serve a wide range of events and adapt to changing market conditions. Kona Ice remains privately owned and is actively recruiting new franchisees, continuing to expand its footprint in both established and new markets.