Is an Ice Cream Truck Still Worth it in 2026? (Kona Ice Breakdown)

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=FEMarch152026Interested in learning about Snap-On Tools? Check out this podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1939809/episodes/18719908The Kona Ice franchise is one of the most recognizable mobile food businesses in the United States, with over 1,800 shaved ice trucks operating across the country. But how much does it actually cost to start a Kona Ice truck, and how much money do franchise owners really make? In this video, I break down the Kona Ice franchise startup costs, royalty fees, and business model, including why the company does not disclose earnings in its Franchise Disclosure Document. We also look at how the business started, why it grew so quickly, and how Kona Ice trucks generate revenue through school events, festivals, and community partnerships. If you're considering buying a mobile food franchise or want to understand how this shaved ice franchise works, this breakdown will walk you through the numbers and the opportunity.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?🔍 Request a Territory Check | Check territory availability here: http://www.franchiseempire.com/checkterritory?utm_source=FEMarch152026🔄 Franchise Resales | Find existing businesses for sale: https://www.franchiseempire.com/resales?utm_source=FEMarch152026------------------Ready to Build Your Empire?🚨 Join The #1 Community for Owning a Money-Making Franchise: https://www.skool.com/franchiseempirebuilders/about🚀 Franchise Buyers Academy - Speed up your journey with our step-by-step mini-course: https://www.franchiseempire.com/FBA?utm_source=FEMarch152026Download our list of 42 High Performing (and profitable) Franchises: https://www.franchiseempire.com/42hpf?utm_source=FEMarch152026Watch our FREE Franchising Masterclass to find vet and launch for : https://www.franchiseempire.com/masterclass?utm_source=FEMarch152026Download our FREE StarterKit: The Zero to Profitable Franchise in Less Than 12 Months Guide:  https://www.franchiseempire.com/o-ztpf-guide?utm_source=FEMarch152026Get High Performing Franchises In Your Inbox Every Weekhttps://www.franchiseempire.com/newsletter?utm_source=FEMarch152026------------------TIMESTAMPS:00:00 – Kona Ice Truck Franchise Overview00:22 – What This Video Will Break Down00:40 – How Kona Ice Trucks Make Money01:02 – How Many Kona Ice Trucks Exist01:10 – Startup Costs for a Kona Ice Franchise01:29 – Royalty Structure Explained02:14 – Marketing Fees and Equipment Costs02:32 – The Big Issue: No Earnings Disclosure03:13 – Why Some Franchises Don’t Show Financials04:10 – Free List of Low-Cost Franchises (CTA)04:46 – The Story Behind Kona Ice05:36 – Why Franchising After One Year Is Risky06:16 – Why Kona Never Raised Their Royalty Fees06:30 – Kona Ice Giving Back to Communities06:53 – The Flavorwave System Explained07:28 – Patent Lawsuit Against Tiki Shaved Ice08:02 – Adult Flavor Concepts and Evening Events08:17 – Why Tariq Would Pick Dairy Queen Instead08:30 – Warren Buffett’s $585M Dairy Queen InvestmentLegal stuff we have to say!The information presented on this website is based on the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) available for each franchise opportunity. For detailed financial representations, please refer to Item 19 of the applicable FDD. Note that this information may have changed since publication. We strongly recommend verifying all fees, investment requirements, and franchise offers directly with the franchisor before making any investment decisions.This website and its contents are intended for informational purposes only and do not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. Franchise of