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Ice Cream Franchise Brings Big Bucks to Community. Kona Ice raises more than $250,000 for local schools, organizations in 2009.
Union, KY – Entrepreneurs across the country are finding out what makes a successful business in this economy: ties to the community, easy-to-execute business plans and mobility. That’s why national
frozen treat franchise Kona Ice expects the company to double in size by the end of 2010.
Kona Ice, which has 70
franchises in more than 20 states, offers a professional alternative to the typical
ice cream franchise. The colorful trucks, referred to as a Kona Entertainment Vehicle (KEV), features a patented “Flavor Wave” where customers can pump their own flavors into a cup of shaved ice, creating a fun, interactive experience that sets the
franchise apart from any other mobile dessert business.
The
franchise sold a record 50 trucks in 2009 and plans call for a total of 150 Kona Ice vehicles to be on the road nationwide by the end of 2010. Kona Ice has expansion plans in several U.S. markets, including Louisville, KY; Columbus, OH; Dayton, OH and Indianapolis, IN.
"The demand for an uplifting, community-oriented business is there. People want to feel good about what they’re doing these days,” said Tony Lamb, Founder of Kona Ice. “We’re excited, incredibly driven, entrepreneurs and we’ve created a company that’s becoming a fixture in America.”
The company makes a difference in communities by partnering with schools, sports leagues, churches and other organizations for fundraisers and festivals. Kona Ice franchisees give a percentage of their sales back to the organization hosting the Kona Ice Truck. In 2009 alone, the company has donated more than $250,000 to local groups, at a time when school funding is dwindling and local organizations are cutting back on budgets.
The low cost
ice cream franchise typically requires about $90,000 as an initial investment. In today’s real-estate market, franchisees have been attracted to Kona Ice and 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 experience when it comes to mobile treats,” Lamb said. “Our franchisees are becoming part of the fabric that makes up the community. They’re all making a great living and having fun.”
About Kona Ice
Launched in 2007 by Tony Lamb, Kona Ice provides a bright, welcoming and professional alternative to the typical ice cream truck. Kona Ice is committed to the community and has donated more than $250,000 to local organizations since its inception. Kona Ice has quickly become a desirable franchising opportunity due to the low overhead, flexible hours, quick profit margins and low royalty fee, fixed at $3,000 per year.
If you would like more information about owning an
ice cream franchise, go to
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