Along the north shore, where the sense of community runs deep, businesses that strengthen those bonds are always a welcome addition. Enter Kona Ice, a mobile shaved ice business that isn’t just about tasty treats—it’s about supporting local causes and fostering community.
For Matt and Liz Smith, the dream of owning a business was always there and recently they found the perfect opportunity to turn that dream into reality, bringing something sweet to the area.
Originally from Bemidji, the couple spent two decades in Rochester. When a job opportunity opened up for Matt in Duluth, they decided it was time to return to their northern roots. Liz found a position teaching special education in the local school district, and soon, Two Harbors became their new home.
As Matt transitioned out of his role as a district manager at Verizon, the couple felt it was the perfect time to pursue their long-held dream of owning a business. While Liz continues teaching and working toward becoming a school principal, both were eager to embark on this new venture, bringing a unique and community-centered service to the area.
“I always knew that we wanted to own our own business, so it was really just finding the right business and taking the plunge towards it,” Matt explained.
Liz added, “And finding one that really aligns with what we believe in, what we want to do more in the community, and to be out in the community. With Kona Ice, their whole slogan is ‘Be Good, Do Good, For Good,’ and that’s right up our alley.”
The couple began the process in October, and their excitement is palpable as Matt shared, “I actually go pick up the truck on the 28th of this month. Hopefully by the 10th of May, we should be ready to go.”
Kona Ice is more than just a refreshing treat—it’s a mobile fundraiser and a way to bring the community together. For instance, when booked by a football team for a football game, Kona Ice donates a portion of proceeds back to support that program.
“Not all nonprofits out there can fundraise right away. We pull up with the truck and we can help start fundraising on the spot,” Matt explained. “Other organizations have to worry about a kind of product or employees. We serve all of that and give right back to them.”
In addition to supporting organizations like schools, daycares, sports organizations, workplaces, and churches, their Kona Entertainment Vehicle (KEV) will be a familiar sight at local hotspots like Anderson’s Greenhouse in Two Harbors and the Adventure Park in Silver Bay, where they’ll be serving up sweet treats throughout the summer.
With three children, the Smiths are turning Kona Ice into a family affair. While their oldest, who is married and living in Rochester, will be cheering them on from afar, their two younger children—a senior set to graduate in May and a sophomore—are eagerly looking forward to working the truck this summer.
“They are working it with us this summer, then we’ll see if our son Eli wants to stay on next summer or if he’ll have other grand adventures,” Liz shared. “It sounds like Harper will be with us for a couple of years for sure.”
The family is looking forward to a summer full of fun and new experiences. “It’s kind of like its own little entertainment truck,” Liz said. “It’s got speakers on the outside so it’s like you have your own little dance party.”
Kona Ice boasts over 40 delicious flavors of Hawaiian shaved ice, with favorites like Matt’s go-to picks— Tiger’s Blood, Blue Raspberry, and Lavender Lemonade—along with a refreshing lime option that Liz loves. Customers can start with a cup of ice and customize their treat using the self-serve Flavorwave™, creating their perfect blend by mixing and matching as much as they like.
“We give you the Keys to the Kingdom with the Flavorwave,” Matt shared enthusiastically. “We are also smart snack approved for schools, we are NSF approved, and we have sugar-free and dye-free syrups to go onto the ice.”
According to Kona Ice’s website, founder Tony Lamb aimed to create a cleaner, more approachable alternative to traditional ice cream trucks. In line with that vision, Kona Ice trucks are eco-friendly, emphasizing sustainability while serving up sweet snacks. They also offer a “Vita-Blend” line of flavors, fortified with vitamins C and D for an added nutritional boost.
Since its inception in 2007, Kona Ice has donated over $180 million back to schools, organizations, and teams across the country. Today, more than 1,900 tropical-themed trucks can be found in 49 states, serving up shaved ice and supporting local communities.
Liz is thrilled by Kona Ice’s community-focused mission. “That’s my favorite thing about it. Matt started talking to me about different franchises and when he started talking about how Kona Ice is this company that wants to give back to communities I was like, ‘that’s it!’”
To book Matt and Liz’s Kona Ice truck for your next event or to see where they’ll be serving up cool treats this summer, visit kona-ice.com and enter your zip code.
Congratulations to the Smith family on your exciting new business venture!
