The recognition received by Kona Ice highlights the expansion made by the company in 2019. The addition of more than 130 trucks last year brings the brand’s total number of trucks to 1,180 in communities across the United States.

“Earning a spot on this list year-over-year has been an honor and a testament to our dedication to continuously improving the Kona Ice brand,” said Tony Lamb, founder of Kona Ice. "We are excited to build upon this momentum - whether it’s adding new trucks into existing markets, creating relationships with new franchisees, or supporting our current franchisees, the new year brings a lot of promise and excitement.”

The key factors that go into the evaluation include costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. Each franchise is given a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points, and the 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500^® in ranking order.

“The 500 companies on this list all have something in common: They understand what consumers want now,” says Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur. “They may be an upstart in a brand-new category, or they may be a brand like Dunkin’ that’s ranked highly on our list for decades. But either way, making our list means they’re forward-thinking, nimble, and closely in touch with their customers’ needs—because in an ever-changing business environment, that’s what a franchise must do to thrive.”

Bringing tropical tunes and cups of shaved ice everywhere it stops, Kona Ice offers its distinctive blend of entertainment and gourmet frozen treats across 47 states. Equally as appealing as the icy treats that the brand offers is its philanthropic commitment in the communities it serves. Nationwide, Kona Ice has donated more than $70 million to community-based organizations since its launch in June 2007.

Entrepreneurially spirited individuals interested in owning a Kona Ice franchise should have the ability to invest $127,800 - $151,600, which includes working capital and a typical franchise fee of $15,000.

Over its 41 years in existence, the Franchise 500® has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for potential franchisees. Kona Ice’s position on the ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity.

About Kona Ice

A true community ally renowned for facilitating endless fundraising options, Kona Ice has given more than $70 million back to neighborhood schools, organizations and teams since its inception in 2007. The brand's iconic truck offers customers a one-of-a-kind experience, featuring the opportunity to create their own shaved ice on the self-serve Flavorwave™, while enjoying the soothing sights and sounds from the tropics. Currently, there are 1,000-plus franchise units in more than 47 states.

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