Business & Tech
Kona Ice Now Serving Arnold
Food Truck Franchise Pulls into Arnold; Local Entrepreneurial Family Commits to Giving Back to Community Schools, Teams and Organizations

Bringing tropical tunes and cups of fluffy snow everywhere it stops, Kona Ice is introducing Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, Affton and House Springs to its distinctive blend of entertainment and shaved ice treats. The Kona Ice experience is unlike any other in the area.
“The communities’ first taste of our cool treats and colorful truck will keep them coming back for more,” said Richie Kingree the local resident and entrepreneur who teamed up with his wife Kristi to shift good times into overdrive in Arnold with the launch of their new mobile franchise. “It will only be a matter of time before our Kona truck captures the hearts, minds and taste buds of the neighborhoods we serve.”
The food Truck franchise’s escape from the ordinary begins as the sounds of tropical calypso music fills the air at each event and group gathering. The fun continues as all in attendance get their overflowing cups of freshly shaved ice and then help themselves to any of the ten tastes on the truck’s Flavorwave™ (an interactive dispensing system in which individuals select from one or more of the flavors to pour over their fluffy snow) or the additional 20-plus flavors and 500 different combinations available.
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“It’s an opportunity to enjoy a unique, tropical treat,” added Kristi. “For a couple dollars you can experience the excitement of the truck, flavor your own Kona Ice, donate to an organization you care about, and kick back for a few minutes enjoying the sounds of the tropics. It’s an escape that everyone can enjoy.”
Equally as appealing about the launch of the mobile franchise in Arnold is its philanthropic commitment to the communities it serves. The Kingrees are continuing Kona Ice’s tradition of donating thousands of dollars each year to local school groups, teams and community organizations. As they book events with these groups, they pledge to give back a percentage of the proceeds from each stop. Nationwide, Kona Ice has donated more than $35 million dollars to community-based organizations since the launch in June 2007.
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“The Kingrees shares our commitment to giving back,” said Tony Lamb, founder and president of Florence-based Kona Ice. “The family want to have a positive influence on the people in their community, whether it’s new text books, sports uniforms or, simply, a smile. We are proud to have them on-board. Together, we are excited to make a difference in the lives of those around us.”
Beyond fundraisers, popular spots for Kona Ice stops in Arnold include fairs, festivals, schools, daycares, corporate events, neighborhood socials, church events and birthday parties. The Kingrees truck also maintains regular weekday and weekend routes.
To learn more about Kona Ice of Arnold and to book your next event, contact Richie and Kristi Kingree by email at KonaIceofArnold@kona-ice.com or by phone at 844-ICE-KONA (423-5662).
About Kona Ice
A true community ally renowned for facilitating endless fundraising options, the mobile franchise has given more than $35 million dollars 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 Kona Ice on the self-serve Flavorwave™, while enjoying the soothing sights and sounds from the tropics. Currently, there are 700-plus franchise units in more than 44 states.
For more information about booking Kona Ice for a fundraiser or event, visit www.kona-ice.com. To learn more about available franchise opportunities, visit www.ownakona.com or call (800) KONAICE.