The weather is getting warmer in the Quad Cities which means it’s almost time to get ready for the shaved ice season.
Two Kona Ice trucks – filled with shaved ice treats for sale – will return soon to the Quad Cities under new ownership.
The husband-wife team of Jon and Rachel Booms recently took over the local Kona Ice market. Beginning on Tuesday, April 1, their Kona Ice trucks will hit the streets and start doing business again at various sites across the Quad Cities, said Mr. Booms.
He added that Kona Ice and the City of East Moline have entered into an agreement to have a Kona Ice truck at the Jacob Parks Sports Complex for sporting events this summer. The trucks will also be at local schools, celebrations and festivals in the region.
“Every day will be different. … There will be no set locations,” Mr. Booms told the QCBJ in a telephone interview Monday, March 10.
The Marion, Iowa, couple have operated successful Kona Ice locations in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and Marion since March 2014. They currently have 10 total Kona trucks. In the past 11 years, the Booms family has donated more than $500,000 to schools, sports teams and local organizations.
“We believe in more than just serving a delicious, fun treat — we believe in serving our community,” Ms. Booms said in a news release. “We know the Quad Cities deserves a Kona Ice experience that is professional, reliable and truly dedicated to giving back. We’re excited to bring a fresh start to this area and show what Kona Ice is all about.”
With five children who actively help in the business, the Booms family understands the importance of community involvement. They said they’re eager to partner with local sports teams, parks and recreation departments, booster clubs, nonprofits and small businesses to make a lasting impact.
Mr. Booms told the QCBJ that they decided to take over the Quad Cities market because it “felt like a good fit.”
“We have the privilege to bring joy to children. … This really, truly brightens a child’s day,” he added.
In addition to Kona Ice, the Booms family operates two Travel’ Tom’s Coffee Trucks. Mr. Booms said he has been asked several times about taking over ownership of the Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck of West Davenport. He said that isn’t going to happen in the foreseeable future as the family feels it has its hands full with the new Kona Ice trucks in the Quad Cities.
However, he is leaving the door open for a possible return of Travelin’ Tom’s to the region. If the shaved ice business goes well, Mr. Booms said the family might reconsider taking over the local coffee truck business.
Founded in 2007 by Tony Lamb, Kona Ice launched its first Kona Entertainment Vehicle (KEV) in Florence, Kentucky, offering a unique combination of cleanliness, friendliness and a one-of-a- kind experience. Today, Kona Ice has grown to more than 1,700 mobile units that serve 49 states across the country.
