Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast
Tariq Johnson from Zero to Profitable Franchise (and YouTube) reveals his strategies (profitable franchise secrets) on buying franchises and getting them profitable FAST, so you can experience the freedom and flexibility with owning a profitable franchise business!
Get access to exclusive interviews with top performing Franchisees, accountants, and business experts so you can learn from their mistakes, and hear real life success stories so you can feel more confident in your franchise journey. Tariq signed onto his first franchise in 2015 after making a (scary) $300,000 investment. He got that location profitable in less than 60 days, and has since gone on to buy and sell numerous franchise locations. He intimately understands the fear, confusion, and overwhelm that comes with trying to make it as a full time entrepreneur.
You’ll learn about FDD’s, franchisee validation calls, how to buy a franchise, the most profitable franchise industries, franchise funding, SBA loans, and marketing strategies so you can thrive as a franchise owner and create your dream life with your family and loved ones. No matter what stage of buying a franchise you are in, this podcast will help you do one thing. Go from Zero to Profitable Franchise! Hit subscribe, and get ready to create your dream life.
Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast
Is an Ice Cream Truck Still Worth it in 2026? (Kona Ice Breakdown)
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Interested in learning about Snap-On Tools? Check out this podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1939809/episodes/18719908
The Kona Ice franchise is one of the most recognizable mobile food businesses in the United States, with over 1,800 shaved ice trucks operating across the country. But how much does it actually cost to start a Kona Ice truck, and how much money do franchise owners really make? In this video, I break down the Kona Ice franchise startup costs, royalty fees, and business model, including why the company does not disclose earnings in its Franchise Disclosure Document. We also look at how the business started, why it grew so quickly, and how Kona Ice trucks generate revenue through school events, festivals, and community partnerships. If you're considering buying a mobile food franchise or want to understand how this shaved ice franchise works, this breakdown will walk you through the numbers and the opportunity.
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TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Kona Ice Truck Franchise Overview
00:22 – What This Video Will Break Down
00:40 – How Kona Ice Trucks Make Money
01:02 – How Many Kona Ice Trucks Exist
01:10 – Startup Costs for a Kona Ice Franchise
01:29 – Royalty Structure Explained
02:14 – Marketing Fees and Equipment Costs
02:32 – The Big Issue: No Earnings Disclosure
03:13 – Why Some Franchises Don’t Show Financials
04:10 – Free List of Low-Cost Franchises (CTA)
04:46 – The Story Behind Kona Ice
05:36 – Why Franchising After One Year Is Risky
06:16 – Why Kona Never Raised Their Royalty Fees
06:30 – Kona Ice Giving Back to Communities
06:53 – The Flavorwave System Explained
07:28 – Patent Lawsuit Against Tiki Shaved Ice
08:02 – Adult Flavor Concepts and Evening Events
08:17 – Why Tariq Would Pick Dairy Queen Instead
08:30 – Warren Buffett’s $585M Dairy Queen Investment
Legal stuff we have to say!
The information presented on this website is based on the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) available for each franchise opportunity. For detailed financial representations, please refer to Item 19 of the applicable FDD.
Note that this information may have changed since publication. We strongly recommend verifying all fees, investment requirements, and franchise offers directly with the franchisor before making any investment decisions.
This website and its contents are intended for informational purposes only and do not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitat