Northern Kentucky-based coffee truck brand, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee, was recently named ‘#1 New and Emerging Franchise in the United States’ by Entrepreneur Magazine. Travelin’ Tom’s was founded in 2020 by Kona Ice CEO Tony Lamb. The concept was similar to Kona Ice, but coffee-focused. Travelin’ Tom’s offers a range of customizable drinks, including signature nitro […]
Tag: Tony Lamb
Posted inBusiness
Judge awards Kona Ice $532k in patent infringement lawsuit
After years of back-and-forth courtroom battles, a Florida judge awarded Florence-based Kona Ice $532,905 in damages from a rival business. In 2017, Kona Ice, a mobile shaved ice franchise, sued competitor Tikiz for “willful patent infringement.” Initially, Kosa sued Tikiz franchise owners for allegedly adding a self-service flavor dispenser called the FlavorWave, which Kona owned […]
Posted inBusiness
Kona Ice CEO expands franchise with coffee and cookie truck concepts
Tony Lamb isn’t a coffee drinker, but he does enjoy a cookie from time to time. Luckily for Lamb — an entrepreneur in the mobile food franchise space — he recently launched a mobile cookie truck that can satisfy his craving. “I can eat my way out of a 10-foot building made of cookies,” Lamb […]
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Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame inducting NKY business owners for the first time
For the first time in history, two Northern Kentucky business owners have been inducted into the Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame. The organization celebrates the legacy and achievements of the commonwealth’s most successful business figures. Past inductees include ‘Papa’ John Schnatter of Papa John’s, ‘Colonel’ Harland Sanders and John Y. Brown Jr. of Kentucky Fried […]
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How Northern Kentucky’s shaved ice pilgrimage brings economic impact
For Kona Ice customers, the recognizable trucks are a staple of little league games, school functions and community festivals. For their franchisees, the Kona Konvention is just as beloved. The four-day event, held last weekend, attracts Kona Ice franchise owners from across the United States and Canada into Northern Kentucky, setting the stage for one […]
