There's more to Kona Ice than you think

That familiar jingle of the highly anticipated ice cream truck on a summer afternoon ignites a feeling of excitement quite like no other. And while it's not exactly ice cream, Kona Ice strives to create similar memories one shaved ice at a time.

Daniel Palumbo is the franchise owner and manager of Kona Ice in Sumter and West Columbia and a retired Air Force security officer and recruiter, the position that brought him to Sumter. He opened the local franchise in 2018 after seeing its success and impact in Hawaii, where he was previously stationed. Today, the business is operating with three trucks and a kiosk. Its business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

Palumbo shared information about the franchise that people might want to know when thinking about where to get their next summer sweet treat.

They give back

The business offers discounts to nonprofits, and when catering events for schools, they donate roughly 25-30% of that profit back to the school's PTO. Palumbo explained, "I don't really broadcast or make it public because [giving back to the community] just makes me feel good."

It is NOT just for kids

While most people assume the colorful trucks and merry music attract only kids, according to Palumbo, about 40% of customers are actually adults. In fact, the truck offers mocktail flavors with its adult consumers in mind, such as lavender lemonade mai tai and Caribbean cherry. It also offers sugar-free options for those looking for a healthier treat.

There are new summer specials

The truck offers special flavors only available during certain seasons, and this year it is bringing some old and new flavors to summer. Returning is rocket pop, a favorite flavor from last summer, and three new flavors coming include tropical twist, peach-mango lemonade and star fruit.

They have a new topping

Scientists working for Kona Ice have cooked up a new sour candy topping, according to Palumbo. The sour powder is sprinkled on top of the ice then hardens into candy.

To book a Kona truck, visit www.kona-ice.com/find-a-kona/.

Looking for more sweet options?

- Pelican's SnoBalls, 2024 Best of Sumter winner for Best Sno Cones/Shaved Ice, is at 471 N. Guignard Drive. Business hours are noon to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

- Baskin-Robbins is at 1106 Broad St. Business hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

- SweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt is at 1273 Broad St. Its business hours are noon to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday.

- TCBY is at 2000 W. Liberty St. inside Kangaroo Gas station. Its business hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 9 p.m. on Sunday.