Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Launches Omnichannel Growth Strategy; Systemwide Rollout Underway
Rhea-AI Summary
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (NASDAQ: RMCF) launched an omnichannel growth strategy with a systemwide rollout expected to be substantially implemented over the next six weeks. Phase One deploys a Deliverect centralized order management system integrating Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, ezCater and expanded Instacart availability.
The initiative aims to increase digital touchpoints, improve unit economics for franchisees, expand catering and gifting channels, and enhance real-time data visibility without materially increasing fixed store overhead.
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Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
RMCF was up 4.18% pre-release, while peer moves were mixed: some up (e.g., SOWG +1.84%), others down (e.g., EEIQ -13.1%). Momentum scanner peers also split between up and down, suggesting stock-specific dynamics.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 15 | Franchise ranking | Positive | -1.5% | Named to Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500® list, ranking No. 415. |
| Jan 13 | Earnings update | Positive | -7.0% | Reported Q3 2026 results with higher gross profit and narrowed net loss. |
| Jan 12 | Investor outreach | Neutral | +0.0% | Outlined investor conference presentation and podcast interview with leadership. |
| Jan 07 | Earnings call notice | Neutral | +2.1% | Scheduled fiscal Q3 2026 conference call and provided access details. |
| Nov 25 | Franchise expansion | Positive | +6.8% | Announced four area development agreements committing to 34 new franchise stores. |
Recent history shows mixed reactions: occasional gains on growth news but some selloffs or flat trading after positive or neutral announcements.
Over the last few months, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory has focused on franchise growth, financial improvement, and communication with investors. A Nov. 25, 2025 announcement of commitments for 34 new stores coincided with a strong positive move. More recently, third quarter fiscal 2026 results showing narrowed losses and improved profitability metrics were followed by a decline. Recognition in the Franchise 500® list and ongoing conference and investor outreach produced more muted price changes. Today’s omnichannel strategy update fits into this broader transformation roadmap.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement describes a new omnichannel growth strategy, including a centralized order management system, integrations with major delivery platforms, and expansion into corporate catering and gifting. It aims to increase consumer touchpoints, support unit-level economics, and provide richer data for decisions. In the context of recent store expansion agreements and ongoing financial turnaround efforts, investors may watch how this rollout over the next six weeks affects same-store sales, margins, and franchise development traction.
Key Terms
omnichannel technical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Expands Digital Marketplace and Catering Access to Increase Consumer Touchpoints, Strengthen Unit Economics, and Support Data-Driven Growth
DURANGO, Colo., Feb. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. (NASDAQ: RMCF), America’s Chocolatier®, today announced the launch of its omnichannel growth strategy, marking the next phase of the company’s broader transformation initiative. Systemwide rollout is underway and expected to be substantially implemented over the next six weeks.
For more than 40 years, the company has delivered a premium five-senses retail experience through handcrafted chocolates, live caramel apple dipping, in-store fudge making, and immersive confectionery theater. As Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory continues modernizing its store prototype and expanding into new territories, the omnichannel initiative extends that same craft-driven experience into the digital ecosystem, increasing accessibility while preserving brand integrity and operational discipline.
Phase One includes implementation of a centralized order management system powered by Deliverect, enabling seamless integration between franchise locations and leading third-party marketplaces, including Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and ezCater. The company will also expand availability through Instacart as part of its broader marketplace strategy.
This integrated infrastructure represents a scalable digital foundation for the brand, routing marketplace orders directly into store systems where applicable, improving operational efficiency, maintaining pricing consistency, and enhancing real-time data visibility across the system.
By expanding into high-frequency digital marketplaces, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory increases brand visibility and purchase frequency among new customer segments. Online consumers typically skew younger and demonstrate higher impulse purchasing behavior, creating incremental demand beyond traditional store traffic and supporting long-term brand relevance.
“Our transformation is about honoring our heritage while building a modern, scalable platform for growth,” said Jeff Geygan, Interim Chief Executive Officer. “By pairing our immersive five-senses retail experience with a disciplined omnichannel infrastructure, we are expanding how consumers engage with our brand, strengthening unit-level economics for our franchisees, and positioning Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for sustainable national expansion.”
Through ezCater integration, the company expands into corporate catering and gifting channels, providing businesses with direct access to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory products for meetings, employee recognition, and client gifting. This initiative is designed to drive incremental same-store sales, increase average order value potential, and diversify revenue streams in a capital-light manner.
Integrated marketplace ordering enhances systemwide data capture, providing actionable insights into consumer behavior, product performance, and purchasing patterns. These insights support menu optimization, targeted marketing initiatives, improved forecasting, and more informed capital allocation decisions as the company continues executing its disciplined growth strategy.
By modernizing revenue channels without materially increasing fixed store overhead, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory strengthens its franchise development proposition and long-term value creation strategy. The omnichannel launch represents another milestone in the company’s multi-year roadmap focused on operational excellence, scalable infrastructure, and sustained franchise and shareholder growth.
About Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc.
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. is a leading franchiser of a premium chocolate and confectionary retail store concept. As America’s Chocolatier™, the Company has been producing an extensive line of premium chocolates and other confectionery products, including gourmet caramel apples since 1981. Headquartered in Durango, Colorado, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is ranked among Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2026. The Company and its franchisees and licensees operate over 250 Rocky Mountain Chocolate stores across the United States, with several international locations. The Company's common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "RMCF."
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding anticipated benefits of the company’s omnichannel strategy, expected rollout timing, incremental revenue opportunities, franchise growth, and shareholder value creation. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties are described in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required by law.
| Investor Contact | Media Contact |
| Sean Mansouri, CFA Elevate IR 720-330-2829 RMCF@elevate-ir.com | Jermey Garcia Vice President of Sales & Marketing 970-375-5689 JGarcia@rmcf.net |