Kona Ice Truck Brings Shaved Ice Fun to Fort Myers

FORT MYERS, FL – Kona Ice N. Fort Myers is now rolling through the streets of Lee County, bringing colorful shaved ice and smoothies to local events and neighborhoods. The mobile franchise, owned by Michael and Tricia Gatewood, officially began serving customers in late August. The mobile truck is serving the N. Fort Myers area, according to Mike Gatewood, who spoke with Business Debut.

The business covers territories including downtown Fort Myers, North Fort Myers, North Cape Coral, Pine Island, and Matlacha.

A Unique Menu on Wheels

Kona Ice is the nation’s largest food truck franchise, specializing in shaved ice with customizable flavors. At Kona Ice, guests can enjoy the flavor wave station, which features the top 10 syrups for self-serve customization. Options include sugar-free, dye-free, and specialty flavors.

The Gatewoods’ truck is also the first in Lee County to feature smoothies, with flavors like strawberry, strawberry banana, mango, and tropical breeze.

“Our menu is mainly shaved ice, but something really cool about our truck is that it’s the first in Lee County to offer blended smoothies,” Gatewood said.

Customers can find the Kona Ice truck at various locations, including sports games, family-friendly events, and school functions throughout the area. The Gatewoods have already participated in school appreciation days and high school football games. They are also preparing for larger events, such as Cape Coral’s Kids Fest and the Wicked Walk fundraiser in downtown Fort Myers this October.

A Family-Owned Business with Local Roots

The Gatewoods, who both worked with the Lee County School District for over 25 years, decided it was the right time to start a family business. They were attracted to the brand because of its ideas and its territory.

“I like the idea of the brand, and the big thing about it was the territory. We've lived in parts of our territory our entire lives,” Gatewood shared. “Both of us are born and raised here, and our high schools and even the hospitals we were born in are part of our territory. It just felt like the perfect fit at the right time.”

Their daughter, Alexia, also helps out with the truck and social media when she can.

Community giving is a core value for Kona Ice. Nationwide, the franchise has contributed more than $200 million to charity since its founding in 2007, and Gatewoods loved the idea and being part of it.

As first-time business owners, the Gatewoods are enthusiastic about building connections with schools, youth sports, and the local community.

Hours and Availability

Kona Ice of N. Fort Myers primarily operates at events, but the truck is open daily. The busiest times are in the afternoons, evenings, weekends, and on holidays. Customers can also visit their website to check when the truck will arrive and locate it by entering their zip code.

Follow for More

Follow along for updates and events on Facebook or visit Kona Ice’s website to track the truck’s location.