Kona Ice®
What Is Kona Ice?
Kona Ice is a mobile shaved-ice franchise that sells flavored shaved ice, ice cream, blended beverages, and related frozen-dessert products. Franchisees operate proprietary Kona Entertainment Vehicles (KEVs) and other mobile units and primarily serve customers at public locations and by booking the KEV for events, with the business typically run as a mobile operation often based from the franchisee’s home (with the option to rent office or storage/commissary space). Primary revenue streams include retail sales of shaved ice, ice cream and blended beverages and income from event bookings (e.g., fundraisers, festivals, parties); smoothies may be offered if the franchisee purchases approved smoothie equipment.
Kona Ice Franchise: Pros and Cons
The franchise's low $15,000 initial fee and estimated startup cash as low as $114,730, combined with a large system of 1,933 outlets, lowers the capital barrier and offers strong brand scale, but the unusually high 60% manager equity requirement forces you or your on-site manager to commit a large share of ownership up front.
Pros
Cons
Lawsuits & Legal Risk
Kona Ice reported no material legal proceedings,
Territory Protection
Kona Ice grants a protected, zip-code-based exclusive territory (typically up to 100,000 residents) with site-specific market-density adjustments and boundaries defined by adjacent ZIP codes. Territory rights are contingent on meeting performance quotas; the franchisor retains e-commerce/alternative distribution rights and may develop additional units in surrounding markets.
Training & Support
Kona Ice provides a focused 56-hour training curriculum designed to prepare one initial franchisee for launch. The program includes on-site launch support for operational readiness; living expenses are covered by Kona Ice, and certain on-site services may incur additional fees.
Unit Growth Analysis
Kona Ice added 556 net units from 2022–2026 to reach 1,933 locations, but growth has decelerated to about +6.2% year-over-year. With 1,929 franchised units and only four company-owned locations, this reads as a "sleepy giant"-a proven, franchise-heavy system where prime territories are largely claimed and upside will come from tightening unit-level operations or buying resales rather than riding system expansion, so treat this as a steady small-business investment rather than a high-growth bet.
How Much Does It Cost to Open a Kona Ice Franchise?
Opening a Kona Ice franchise requires a total initial investment of $114,730 to $228,601, according to the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document. This range covers the franchise fee, real estate, equipment, training, and initial working capital needed to launch and operate through the early months.
Minimum Investment
Maximum Investment
Minimum Investment Breakdown
Maximum Investment Breakdown
Investment Analysis
This investment analysis is coming soon. Have ideas for other analyses you'd like us to add? Get in touch.
The initial investment amounts shown are estimates only. Actual costs may vary based on location size, business model, and multi-unit ownership arrangements. We recommend reviewing the full Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details.
Kona Ice Franchise Earnings: Not Disclosed
Kona Ice did not disclose financial performance data (Item 19) in their 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document. Not all franchisors choose to publish this information, which can make it harder for prospective owners to evaluate expected revenue before investing.
This franchise company did not publish these results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kona Ice a good franchise to own?
Whether Kona Ice is a good franchise depends on your goals, experience, and local market. Key factors from the 2026 FDD: Kona Ice operates 1933 locations, received a legal risk score of 100/100, a training and support score of 43/100. The franchisor does not disclose financial performance data. Prospective franchisees should review the full Franchise Disclosure Document and consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decision.
Is a Kona Ice franchise worth the investment?
The value of a Kona Ice franchise investment depends on factors such as location, operator experience, and market demand. The initial investment ranges from $114,730 to $228,601. Franchise investments carry inherent risk, and prospective buyers should conduct thorough due diligence before committing capital.
How long does it take to break even with a Kona Ice franchise?
Break-even timelines for Kona Ice franchises are not disclosed in the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document. Break-even periods vary significantly based on initial investment level, local market conditions, operating costs, and revenue ramp-up speed. Prospective franchisees should build a pro forma financial model using Item 7 cost estimates and, where available, Item 19 financial performance data from the FDD.
Is Kona Ice a franchise or a corporate-owned business?
As of the 2026 FDD, Kona Ice operates 1929 franchised locations and 4 company-owned locations. Franchise opportunities are available through the franchisor's disclosure process.
Does Kona Ice disclose franchise revenue data?
Kona Ice did not disclose financial performance data (Item 19) in their 2026 FDD. Not all franchisors choose to publish this information.
Interested in Kona Ice?
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