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Neighbor News

Kona Ice Now Serving DeSoto County

Mobile Franchise Pulls into DeSoto County; Local Entrepreneurial Team Commits to Giving Back to Community Schools and Organizations

Bringing tropical tunes and cups of shaved ice everywhere it stops, Kona Ice is introducing DeSoto County and the surrounding area to its distinctive blend of entertainment and gourmet frozen treats. The Kona Ice experience is unlike any other in the area.

Kona Ice’s escape from the ordinary begins as the sounds of tropical calypso music fill 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.

“It’s an opportunity to enjoy a unique, tropical treat,” said Ann Starker, the local resident and entrepreneur. “For a few dollars you can experience the excitement of the truck, flavor your own Kona Ice, and kick back for a few minutes enjoying the sounds of the tropics. It’s an escape that everyone can enjoy.”

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Equally as appealing about the launch of Kona Ice of Olive Branch is its philanthropic commitment to the communities it serves. Ann and her husband Alex are continuing the mobile franchise’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 $40 million to community-based organizations since the launch in June 2007.

“Alex and Ann share our commitment to giving back,” said Tony Lamb, founder and president of Florence, Ky.-based Kona Ice. “They 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.”

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Beyond fundraisers, popular spots for the food truck franchise include stops throughout DeSoto County at fairs, festivals, corporate events, neighborhood socials, church events and birthday parties. The Starkers’ truck also will be maintaining weekday and weekend routes throughout the area.

To learn more about Kona Ice of Olive Branch and to book your next event, contact Ann Starker by email at astarker@kona-ice.com, by phone at (662) 420-6909 or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/konaiceolivebranch.

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