Business & Tech

Schraders Expand Kona Ice Service

Duluth residents Robert and Kathy Schrader now can bring shaved ice treats to large and small gatherings outdoors and indoors in Gwinnett County.

Duluth residents Robert and Kathy Schrader recently launched a Mini Kona Ice, a companion to their full size Kona Ice truck, that allows them to bring refreshing shaved ice in delicious flavors to more venues.

The Schraders have been franchisees of Gwinnett Kona Ice and have operated the large mobile shaved ice truck since the spring of 2011.

“The Kona Mini allows us to go where the Kona Ice truck can’t – school gymnasiums, onto little league fields, zoos, conference halls and shopping malls,” Richard Schrader said. The Kona Mini eliminates space limitations and weather challenges.

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“It will only be a matter of time before we’re cruising around indoor venues throughout Northeast Atlanta,” said Kathy Schrader. The Kona Mini is also suitable for smaller outdoor venues. Their territory primarily consists of Central and Northern Gwinnett County, Robert Schrader said.

“We have a lot of fun with the business,” Robert Schrader said. “We like meeting people in the community and having an opportunity to give back to it.” Part of the proceeds from sales go back to the organizations the business serves, he said. So far, the Schraders have provided about $30,000 to organizing groups.

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The Kona Ice franchise is a side business for the Shraders. They and their three children frequently take the large truck and serve shaved ice at major outdoor events including festivals, sporting events, and school activities. The children primarily operate it during the summer. It provides them with the opportunity to learn about business and develop people skills, Robert Schrader said.

“I’ll probably hire an employee to operate the Kona Mini,” he said.

The large Kona Ice truck is 10 feet wide by 20 feet long and eight feet high. The Kona Mini, a nearly exact miniature replica of the large truck, is 30 inches wide, six feet long, and five feet high. “It can fit through a 30-inch door,” he said. The Kona Ice truck and the Kona Mini have serving windows. Both are equipped with exterior Flavorwave dispensers so customers can choose their flavors and mix them if they wish.

Ten flavors can be customer dispensed on the large truck. Six interchangeable flavors are available on the Kona Mini. Blue raspberry is the most popular flavor, Robert Schrader said.

To arrange for the Kona Ice truck or Kona Mini to come to an event, email konaicegwinnett@gmail.com or call 678-480-1213. Discount Kona Ice cards may be purchased by groups and sold at full price for fund-raising purposes. For more information, visit www.kona-ice.com.

“Anywhere a large group of people are gathered and there’s fun to be had, you’ll find Kona Ice,” Robert Schrader said.


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