Bringing amusement park excitement everywhere it stops, Pinecrest new Kona Ice truck blends entertainment and gourmet frozen treats into an experience unlike any other in the area.
“When our customers get a glimpse of the decked out truck with its tiki hut top and vibrant colors, the looks on their faces say it all,” said Robert Martinez, local resident and entrepreneur who teamed up with his wife Robyn to shift good times into overdrive in Pincrest, with the launch of their new Kona Ice truck. “At first they’re amazed, then they just can’t stop smiling – regardless of age.”
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,” added Robyn. “Kids go crazy and we see adults getting just as excited as the young ones. We’ll even throw a few leis or Kona t-shirts on our customers, and send them home with a fun Kona Ice cup. From start to finish, we engage all their senses.”
Equally as appealing about the launch of Kona Ice of Pinecrest is its philanthropic commitment to the communities it serves. Robert and Robyn 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 $10 million dollars to community-based organizations during the past five years.
“Robert and Robyn share our passion for giving back,” said Tony Lamb, founder and president of Kona Ice, who created the concept after witnessing the fear in his daughter’s face during a visit from an old rusty ice cream truck. “We want to engrain Kona Ice into the fabric of the towns where we live, work and have families. Returning a portion of what we earn back to the groups helps ensure that they continue to make a positive impact on the lives of our friends, neighbors and family members.”
Beyond fundraisers, popular spots for Kona Ice stops in Pinecrest include fairs, festivals, corporate events, neighborhood socials, church events and birthday parties. Robert and Robyn’s truck also maintains regular weekday and weekend routes. To learn more, contact Robert and Robyn Martinez by email robynjmartinez@yahoo.com or by phone at (786)-252-3333.
About Kona Ice
A true community ally renowned for facilitating endless fundraising options, Kona Ice has given more than $10 million dollars back to neighborhood schools, organizations and sports 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.
In 2013, Entrepreneur magazine named Kona Ice to its Franchise 500® list, ranking as the #1 “New Franchise.” It is 112 th overall, and #26 in the “Fastest Growing Franchise” category.
By Rosie Gilliam
