Recently we had an opportunity to speak with Ivan Kokuti, the Owner at Find A Treat about Find A Treat

Please share with us the backstory of what motivated you to create this app.

The idea for Find A Treat came to me on a hot summer’s day, stuck in traffic and craving an ice cream with a flake. What should have been easy, finding a nearby ice cream van, turned out to be surprisingly difficult. That frustration sparked an idea: what if there was a real-time map that connected customers directly with local ice cream vans and treat sellers? From there, Find A Treat grew into a platform designed not just for ice cream vans, but for all kinds of local food and treat vendors. My motivation has always been simple: to bring joy and convenience to customers while helping small businesses thrive.

How is your app different than the rest of the market? Which unique need does it fill?

Most food delivery and location apps focus on restaurants, takeaways, or big chains. Find A Treat is different because it’s built specifically for mobile and independent vendors, ice cream vans, coffee vans, food vans, bakebox sellers, and more, who don’t have a fixed location. We fill the unique gap of real-time vendor discovery. Customers can instantly see which vans are nearby, and vendors can attract more footfall with one tap using our , "notifications" feature. In short, we answer the question no one else does: “Where’s my nearest treat right now?”

What is the coolest or most innovative feature of your app?

The coolest feature is the "notifications" system. Vendors can send a ping to everyone within a 3-mile radius when they’re ready to serve. Customers instantly get notified that a treat is nearby, like a modern version of the ice cream van jingle. It creates spontaneity for customers and brings vendors more customers.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of the creation of this app?

The most rewarding part has been seeing how it brings people and communities together. Families love being able to find treats nearby, and vendors value having a simple way to grow their business and feel more visible. For me, it’s been amazing to watch a small idea turn into something that genuinely supports small businesses while creating moments of happiness for people.

What surprised you most in your journey to create this app?

I was surprised by just how much demand there is on both sides. Customers wanted an easier way to find treats, and vendors were equally excited to have a way to reach more people. Another surprise was how strongly people connect with the nostalgia, bringing back childhood memories of spotting the ice cream van. And finally, I didn’t expect how quickly the vision would grow, expanding from ice cream vans into coffee vans, food vans, bakers, and more.

How did you decide which platforms to release your app on and do you plan on releasing your app to other platforms?

We launched on iOS and Android because they reach the widest audience and are ideal for location-based experiences. Our focus has always been on accessibility and convenience, making sure people can discover treats nearby, wherever they are. As we grow, we’ll continue exploring new ways to make that experience even smoother.

Which other mobile apps or technology have inspired you?

I’ve always admired apps that connect people through simple, everyday experiences, like how Waze builds a sense of community through shared updates, or how Uber Eats and Deliveroo have made discovering food effortless. Find A Treat takes that same spirit of connection but brings it to local, mobile vendors in a fun, feel-good way.

What features do you hope to roll out to your app in the future?

Right now, we’re focused on making sure the app runs as seamlessly as possible and continues to deliver a smooth experience for both users and vendors. We definitely have big plans for the future, but for now, it’s all about perfecting the foundations and listening to feedback as we grow.

Do you have any recommendations or advice for others wanting to create a mobile app?

“Start with a real problem, solve it simply, and let your users guide the journey.”