Operations

Kona Ice moves to more personalized operating model

Photo: Provided.

January 8, 2021

Count Northern Kentucky-based Kona Ice among the brands that have negotiated a monumental operational pivot over the past year.

When the pandemic and its restrictions limited the venues in which Kona Ice trucks served customers, CEO Tony Lamb opted to transition the event-based business to a more door-to-door service model. He shifted the focus from stationing trucks at crowded events to serving individual customers, where they work and live, via the newly launched, Kurbside Kona.

"Rather than flounder in the uncertainty of this year, we redirected our time and focus into innovating the business model," Lamb said in an email. "We invested in a low-cost app, rebuilt it to fit our service format and tailored it to meet the needs of our franchisees and customers. Using the app, customers can now order ahead and have Kona Ice delivered to their curb or where ever else they are waiting."

Kona Ice also quickly implemented a contactless pay system where customers can now pre-pay online for their shaved ice treat, while also giving back to local organizations with fundraising for community organizations. In fact, nationally — across its 1,200-plus franchise units in the 49 states in which Kona Ice operates — the brand has donated more than $82 million to community-based organizations since 2007.

The Kona Ice investment ranges in price from $127,750-$151,550. An initial franchisee fee of $20,000 is required, and finance programs are in place to support qualified entrepreneurs in their Kona Ice investment. The brand is based in Florence, Kentucky.