Kona Ice franchise startup costs run $153K–$184K for a mobile shaved-ice truck serving community events, schools, and fundraisers. Low fixed overhead and a community-first operating model make this one of the more accessible mobile food franchise concepts.
Kona Ice is a mobile shaved-ice franchise founded in 2007 in Burlington, Kentucky. The concept is built around a custom-branded shaved-ice truck that serves communities through events, school fundraisers, sporting events, corporate outings, fairs, and festivals. Kona Ice distinguishes itself from other food trucks through its fundraiser program — a percentage of sales at school and community events is donated back to the sponsoring organization. As of 2026, Kona Ice operates approximately 1,500+ trucks in the United States.
Per the current FDD, total estimated initial investment for a Kona Ice franchise runs $153,000–$184,000. The truck is both the primary capital asset and the operating unit. Key cost categories:
Kona Ice charges a 6% royalty on gross revenue with a minimum of $3,000/year (whichever is greater), plus an advertising/brand fund contribution of 0.5–2% of gross revenue. At typical Kona Ice revenue ranges ($150K–$250K/year for a single truck), total fees run 6.5–8% of gross revenue. The minimum $3,000/year royalty is intentionally low, designed to protect operators in slower markets or during seasonal downturns.
Kona Ice requires prospective franchisees to demonstrate net worth of $50,000 or more and liquid capital of $20,000 or more — among the lowest financial requirements of any nationally branded food franchise. The low thresholds reflect both the mobile-only model (no commercial kitchen buildout, no storefront lease) and Kona Ice's financing partnerships that allow most of the truck cost to be financed.
Kona Ice's operating model centers on booked events rather than foot traffic. Key operational characteristics:
Kona Ice operators require a mobile food vending permit in most jurisdictions. Because shaved ice is a low-risk food product (no cooking, minimal temperature-controlled ingredients), many health departments process Kona Ice permits faster than restaurant food truck applications. Requirements vary by city and county — franchisees should contact their local health department before launch. A standard state business license and vehicle registration are also required.
Kona Ice is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA 7(a) loan processing. The mobile model with a $153K–$184K investment is well-suited to multiple financing paths:
Kona Ice is on the SBA Franchise Directory, enabling expedited SBA eligibility review. At $153K–$184K, this is one of the smallest SBA-eligible franchise investments available — and the mobile truck model simplifies underwriting compared to a restaurant build. Key factors lenders evaluate:
The truck can be financed as a commercial vehicle on a standalone equipment/vehicle loan rather than rolling it into a full SBA 7(a) facility. This approach keeps the SBA loan balance focused on franchise fee, inventory, and working capital — often producing a lower combined monthly payment by using a shorter equipment loan term for the truck and a longer SBA term for operating costs.
ClearValue Lending works with mobile food franchise operators from truck financing to working capital lines. Use the SBA loan payment calculator to estimate payments on your truck financing. Apply at Find my match. Your file routes to one matched lender.
Per the current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs $153,000–$184,000. The custom Kona Ice truck is the largest line item at $90,000–$120,000. Low franchise fee ($20K–$25K) and low financial qualification thresholds make this one of the most accessible branded food franchise concepts.
Kona Ice's fundraiser program is a core brand differentiator. When a Kona Ice truck parks at a school event, sports practice, or community fundraiser, a percentage of total sales is donated back to the sponsoring organization. Schools and parent organizations actively invite Kona Ice back because they generate money for their programs — creating a built-in repeat booking engine that reduces operator marketing effort.
In warm climates, Kona Ice can operate year-round. In northern markets with cold winters, the season typically runs April through October. Operators in seasonal markets must manage annual operating costs against a revenue calendar concentrated in 6–7 months. Year-round indoor events (gyms, arenas, conventions) can extend the revenue season.
No. Shaved ice is a low-risk food product — no cooking is involved, and the primary ingredients are ice and flavored syrups. Most health departments classify shaved ice trucks under simpler permitting categories than full food trucks. No commissary relationship is required in most jurisdictions.
Yes. Kona Ice is on the SBA Franchise Directory. SBA 7(a), SBA microloans, and equipment/commercial vehicle financing are all viable paths at this investment size.
SBA guidelines set a minimum DSCR of 1.15×. On a fully-amortizing 10-year SBA 7(a) loan for a Kona Ice truck, monthly debt service is typically $1,500–$2,000. A truck generating $150K–$250K/year in revenue can support this ratio — but lenders require conservative year-one projections that account for seasonal ramp and territory buildout, not peak-season performance. Source: SBA SOP 50 10 7 (sba.gov).
SBA requires a minimum 10% equity injection. Lenders typically want 20–25% of total project cost — meaning $31K–$46K for a Kona Ice truck at $153K–$184K investment. Kona Ice's $20K liquid capital threshold is among the lowest in national food franchising, making it one of the most accessible SBA-eligible franchise options for first-time operators. Source: SBA SOP 50 10 7, Subpart B, Chapter 4.