Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

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Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Chocolate and confectionery franchise known for its handmade chocolates, caramel apples, and other sweet treats, offering a range of indulgent delights.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, a distinguished name in the confectionery sector, is celebrated for its extensive range of high-quality chocolates and sweets. Established in 1981 in the charming town of Durango, Colorado, the company has seen substantial growth over the decades.

The brand boasts an impressive product line, offering around 300 varieties of chocolate candies and other confections. Their selection includes clusters, caramels, creams, meltaways, truffles, and molded chocolates, all crafted in a 53,000-square-foot production facility. This dedication to quality and diversity has allowed Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory to establish a strong presence in the confectionery market.

The company's remarkable journey from a single store to an international franchise highlights its commitment to excellence and innovation. Publicly traded on the NASDAQ exchange under the symbol "RMCF" since 1985, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory has solidified its market position.

In a recent development, the brand opted to simplify its name in 2023 by removing "factory," rebranding itself as Rocky Mountain Chocolate. This change underscores a return to its foundational values and core identity.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory offers 2 types of franchises:

Type of Store Initial Investment
Single Full-Sized ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY $198,086 to $529,797
Single Kiosk-Sized ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store $104,297 to $283,973

We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a single full-sized Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory franchise.

For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).

single full-sized Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $0 - $35,000
Real Estate and Improvements $93,310 - $228,935
Furniture and Fixtures $15,841 - $32,550
Equipment $43,467 - $89,817
Signs $3,342 - $13,514
Inventory and Cooking Supplies Purchased from Us $8,952 - $26,597
Inventory and Cooking Supplies Purchased from Other Suppliers $543 - $6,510
In-Store Promotional Graphics $3,987 - $11,156
Security Deposits, Utility Deposits, Business Licenses, and Lease Review Fees $5,425 - $11,935
Pre-Opening Training, Travel and Living Expenses $2,170 - $5,425
Additional Funds - 3 months $21,049 - $68,358
TOTAL ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT FOR A FULL-SIZED STORE $198,086 – $529,797

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory offers 2 types of franchises:

Type of Store Initial Investment
Single Full-Sized ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY $198,086 to $529,797
Single Kiosk-Sized ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store $104,297 to $283,973

We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a single full-sized Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory franchise.

For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).

single full-sized Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $0 - $35,000
Real Estate and Improvements $93,310 - $228,935
Furniture and Fixtures $15,841 - $32,550
Equipment $43,467 - $89,817
Signs $3,342 - $13,514
Inventory and Cooking Supplies Purchased from Us $8,952 - $26,597
Inventory and Cooking Supplies Purchased from Other Suppliers $543 - $6,510
In-Store Promotional Graphics $3,987 - $11,156
Security Deposits, Utility Deposits, Business Licenses, and Lease Review Fees $5,425 - $11,935
Pre-Opening Training, Travel and Living Expenses $2,170 - $5,425
Additional Funds - 3 months $21,049 - $68,358
TOTAL ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT FOR A FULL-SIZED STORE $198,086 – $529,797

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training 

The franchisor offers an extensive initial training program for new franchisees, encompassing critical aspects of running a Rocky Mountain Chocolate store. This program includes:

Initial Training Program

Up to three individuals from the franchisee's team can participate in the training at no cost. Conducted at the franchisor's designated facilities or other specified locations, the training may also include webinars or remote sessions if necessary. The goal is to provide franchisees with the necessary knowledge and skills for successful store management. Franchisees are responsible for their travel and living expenses during the training.

Length of Training

The initial training spans 7 days. The franchisor may adjust the schedule or waive parts of the program if the franchisee or their general manager has adequate prior experience or training.

Additional Training

The franchisor occasionally offers seminars, conventions, and ongoing development programs. Attendance at mandatory events is required, with at least 30 days' notice provided. While there is no fee for mandatory training, franchisees must cover their travel and living expenses.

Territory Protection

The franchisor offers franchisees a Protected Territory to ensure exclusive operational rights within a specified area. Here are the key details:

Before finalizing the agreement, the franchisor will designate a specific geographic area around the store premises as the Protected Territory. The size and boundaries of this territory are determined solely by the franchisor's discretion.

As long as the franchisee adheres to the agreement terms, the franchisor and its affiliates will not operate or grant a franchise for another store within this Protected Territory during the agreement's duration.

Competitors

Below are some of

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

key competitors in the

Baked Goods

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Upgrade
Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

155

New
+
-5%
-5%

$35,000

$104,000

$530,000

n.a.

$525,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

American Kolache

American Kolache is a fast-casual bakery franchise offering Texas-style kolaches, savory pastries, and breakfast items, serving early-morning customers and families, and known for handheld convenience, hot-fresh items, and strong regional roots.

Franchisees

?

5
+
400%
400%
Investment

?

$233,000 - $371,000

Manhattan Bagel

Manhattan Bagel is a café and bakery franchise offering bagels, breakfast sandwiches, coffee, deli items, and baked goods, serving morning and daytime patrons, and known for authentic bagels, café atmosphere, and consistent franchise support.

Franchisees

?

68
+
10%
10%
Investment

?

$582,000 - $1,094,000

The Bagel Nook

The Bagel Nook is a café franchise offering fresh-baked bagels, breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and deli items, serving morning commuters and neighborhood patrons, and known for handcrafted goods, local feel, and café ambiance.

Franchisees

?

3
+
200%
200%
Investment

?

$603,000 - $1,165,000

D.P. Dough

D.P. Dough is a late-night restaurant franchise offering overstuffed calzones with dozens of fillings, serving college students and young adults, and known for delivery-focused operations, fun campus culture, and signature made-to-order dough.

Franchisees

?

49
+
-2%
-2%
Investment

?

$121,000 - $360,000

Aunt Millies Bakeries

Aunt Millies Bakeries produces a variety of fresh bread and bakery products, offering high-quality and delicious baked goods for customers to enjoy.

Franchisees

?

154
+
-7%
-7%
Investment

?

$37,000 - $186,000

The Pretzel Twister

The Pretzel Twister serves freshly baked pretzels with a variety of flavors and dips, offering a delicious and satisfying snack option.

Franchisees

?

24
+
-14%
-14%
Investment

?

$122,000 - $339,000