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Matt Rivera has launched a colorful new business on wheels — and it’s all about smiles, community and shaved ice.
The Holtsville father of three and seasoned entrepreneur is now the owner of a Kona Ice truck franchise serving Patchogue, Medford and surrounding neighborhoods. Rivera, who previously launched ventures like the mobile dog grooming franchise Zoom and Groom and Inspection Boys, a home inspection business, said his latest business move was sparked by a birthday party he hosted for his son.
“I watched as the driver made every kid light up with joy, and I remember thinking, ‘This guy is literally getting paid to hand out smiles.’ That moment stuck with me,” said Rivera, who grew up in Brentwood.
That moment led to a deep dive into the business.
“Any new venture has to check a few boxes: it needs to make financial sense, give back to the community, and ideally be a business with minimal complaints,” Rivera said. “Kona Ice hit all three. That’s what makes this one unique for me.”
The brand’s focus on community impact was a huge draw. Even before officially launching, Rivera pledged to give back 20% of proceeds from any events he takes on with the non-profit Angela’s House, and he plans to support as many local PTAs, youth teams and schools as possible.
Kona is a family affair
With his 15-year-old twins turning 16 soon, Kona is also a family affair.
“They’re learning real-world skills like customer service and responsibility,” Rivera said. “It’s not just a family business — it’s a family lesson in entrepreneurship and giving back.”
Having his kids active in sports, Rivera has already developed an appreciation of how tightly knit the Patchogue-Medford community can be.
“We’re constantly at games, tournaments and community events. That experience really opened my eyes to how active and connected our local communities are,” he said. “Being able to give back through Kona Ice while serving a fun, relatively healthy treat just felt like a perfect fit.”
The Kona Ice menu is focused and flexible.
“We specialize in one thing: shaved ice. But we do it really well,” he said. “We offer a wide variety of flavors, with some fan favorites that are always on the truck and others that rotate to keep things fresh. We also have dye-free and sugar-free options, so there’s something for everyone.”
Rivera’s favorite? “Tiger’s Blood — it’s always a hit.”
The truck focuses on birthday parties, school events and sports fundraisers, while testing neighborhood routes during off times. A franchise-provided playlist adds to the island-vibe atmosphere, playing upbeat remixes that “definitely grow on you,” Rivera said.
This summer, Rivera is all in — learning the business hands-on with plans to hire a full-time manager and eventually add more trucks.
“I’ve always lived by the motto ‘Go big or go home,’” he said. “My goal over the next three to five years is to cover most of Suffolk with multiple territories and up to 10 trucks. This isn’t just a seasonal side hustle — it’s a long-term business I’m all in on.”
Top photos: Courtesy images.
