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FDD Year-over-Year Comparison

Kona Ice FDD: What Changed from 2025 to 2026

The 2026 Kona Ice FDD moves the Item 7 estimated initial investment range from $178,856–$226,841 to $114,730–$228,601, and the system grows from 1,820 to 1,933 outlets (+6.2%) year-over-year. Neither filing includes an Item 19 financial performance representation.

Source: WI & IL state filings · Updated August 2026 · ClearlyFDD

Item 7 — Estimated Initial Investment

2025 FDD2026 FDDChange
Low end of range$178,856$114,730−$64,126 (−35.9%)
High end of range$226,841$228,601+$1,760 (+0.8%)
Full range$178,856–$226,841$114,730–$228,601

The 2026 filing puts the Item 7 estimated initial investment at $114,730–$228,601, against $178,856–$226,841 in the 2025 filing. The low end moves by −$64,126 (−35.9%) and the high end moves by +$1,760 (+0.8%), widening the band from $47,985 to $113,871.

2025 filing: Notable required payments to franchisor/affiliates include the KEV purchase and certain initial inventory; Item 7 also states Additional Funds estimates include certain fees (royalty, Brand Fund contribution, Technology Fee) within the first three months. 2026 filing: Item 7 states that the total estimated initial investment includes between $108,840 and $188,291 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates.

Item 20 — System Size (Outlet Count)

2025 FDD2026 FDDChange
Total outlets (Item 20)1,8201,933+113 (+6.2%)
Franchised outlets1,8161,929+113 (+6.2%)
Company-owned outlets44unchanged
Openings during the year186140−46
Closures during the year3627−9

Kona Ice reports 1,933 outlets in the 2026 FDD, against 1,820 in the 2025 filing — a change of +113 (+6.2%).

Outlet counts as each filing states them — 2025: Year ending December 31, 2024; 2026: December 31, 2025. Item 20 notes system data for the prior three fiscal years was available as of January 30, 2026 and that 2023 system change totals show reconciliation differences due to a clerical error regarding the number of outlets at the end of 2022.

Item 19 — Financial Performance Representations

Neither the 2025 nor the 2026 Kona Ice filing includes an Item 19 financial performance representation.

Item 6 — Ongoing Fees

Neither filing states Kona Ice's ongoing royalty as a single percentage rate, so there is no rate to compare year-over-year.

2025 filing: Royalty is stated as fixed annual dollar amounts by year range (with option to pay in 3, 6, or 9 equal installments). 2026 filing: Royalty is a fixed annual dollar amount that varies by years of operation (years 1-2, 3-6, 7-10) and is payable in 3, 6, or 9 equal installments on specified dates each year. Separate fixed annual royalties may apply for smoothies and additional equipment;

Frequently asked questions

Did the cost to open a Kona Ice franchise change in the 2026 FDD?

The 2026 FDD for Kona Ice states an Item 7 estimated initial investment of $114,730–$228,601, against $178,856–$226,841 in the 2025 filing. The low end moves from $178,856 to $114,730 (−$64,126 (−35.9%)) and the high end moves from $226,841 to $228,601 (+$1,760 (+0.8%)).

How many locations does Kona Ice have?

The 2026 FDD for Kona Ice reports 1,933 outlets in Item 20, against 1,820 in the 2025 filing — 113 more.

How many Kona Ice locations closed?

The 2026 FDD for Kona Ice reports 27 outlet closures for the year it covers, against 36 in the 2025 filing.

Does Kona Ice disclose financial performance in its FDD?

Neither the 2025 nor the 2026 Kona Ice filing includes an Item 19 financial performance representation.

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