A local Kona icee fleet truck is parked at the Sam ’ s Club parking lot in Valdosta .
Russell Hassenstab , who co-owns the local Kona Ice operation with his wife , Brenda , said the Kona Ice franchising system has 1,500 trucks nationally . “ It ’ s the largest food truck operation in the world ,” he said . “ I think the number two operator has about 50 trucks .”
Valdosta ’ s Kona Ice operation , which the Hassenstabs started six years ago , now includes three trucks , a kiosk at the Valdosta Mall , and a presence at the Wild Adventures amusement park south of the city .
Kona Ice provides more than just Ninja Cherry and Monster Mango ; it provides help to the community .
Fundraisers are a large part of the Kona Ice business . The company ’ s website said Kona Ice had raised more than $ 50 million to aid local communities and organizations since 2007 , though that may be old news : a sign on the side of the truck claimed $ 110 million . On the day the truck was at Sam ’ s Club , the Hassenstabs were part of an effort to raise funds for the Children ’ s Miracle Network .
Hassenstab said the local franchise helped Valdosta-area schools and groups to $ 76,000 two years ago and $ 110,000 last year .
“ We have boards in local schools that recognize students , plus there are cups and shirts as part of a reward system for students ,” he said .
The Hassenstabs help with more than just shaved ice . They moved to Valdosta in 2005 and have a granddaughter at Lowndes High School .
She is a member of the school ’ s marching band , the Georgia Bridgemen , and her grandfather Russell drives the band ’ s bus .
“ Whenever they ’ re traveling out of town , I ’ m volunteering to drive ,” he said .
Lexie Player hands As little Anthony Mendoza Shelly Mendoza a walked away with a mound of cup of shaved ice for flavored ice , Russell Hassenstab mentioned their best-sell- her son , Anthony .
ing flavor . “ Blue Raspberry ,” he said . “ By 2-1 .”
To check on where the Kona Ice trucks will appear on any given day , check the website app . konaicepay . com .
September 2023 | Valdosta Scene 11