What Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Is
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is a chocolate retailer that operates both physical stores and an online shop. The company makes and sells chocolate confections, including hand-dipped items, truffles, fudge, and seasonal specialties. You can walk into a store location, order through their website, or order by phone for delivery or in-store pickup.
The company has been operating since 1981 and operates franchised locations across the United States and in some international markets. Each store typically has a working kitchen where chocolatiers prepare items fresh. This means what you see in the display case was often made that day or within the past few days, rather than shipped from a central factory months earlier.
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is a publicly traded company, though it is not owned by a major conglomerate. It remains independent in terms of product decisions and sourcing, which affects both pricing and the range of items available compared to mass-market chocolate brands.
Key Takeaways
- Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory operates franchised retail locations where chocolates are made fresh on-site, plus an online store for mail delivery or local pickup.
- Prices are higher than mass-market chocolate brands because items are hand-dipped and made fresh, not mass-produced.
- You can order online for shipping, visit a physical store, or call a location directly to place a phone order.
- The company offers seasonal items that rotate throughout the year, so availability changes by time of year.
- Shipping costs and delivery times vary depending on your location and the shipping method you choose at checkout.
How to Order Online
Visit the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory website and browse by category: chocolate-covered fruits, truffles, fudge, caramels, or seasonal items. Add items to your cart and proceed to checkout. You will enter your shipping address and choose a delivery method.
The website offers standard shipping and expedited shipping options. Standard shipping typically takes five to seven business days. Expedited options are faster but cost more. You can also choose in-store pickup if a location near you participates in that program — this option usually has no shipping charge and is ready within one to two business days.
Payment is accepted by credit card, debit card, and PayPal. The website uses standard encryption for payment security. You will receive an order confirmation email with a tracking number once your order ships.
Visiting a Physical Store
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory locations are independently franchised, so store hours, staff, and inventory vary by location. Use the store locator on the website to find addresses, phone numbers, and hours for stores near you.
When you visit, you can see the chocolate selection in the display cases and ask staff questions about ingredients or recommendations. Many locations allow you to watch chocolatiers working through a window or glass partition. You can purchase items to take home when ready, or you can place a custom order for a future date if you want something specific made or packaged differently.
Some stores offer gift wrapping for an additional charge. If you are buying for a special occasion and want custom packaging or a specific assortment, calling ahead to speak with a manager is often faster than asking in person during busy times.
Pricing and What Affects the Cost
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory prices are higher than drugstore or supermarket chocolate brands. A single hand-dipped truffle typically costs between two and four dollars, depending on the filling and coating. A one-pound box of assorted chocolates usually ranges from fifteen to thirty dollars. Seasonal items and specialty collections cost more.
The higher price reflects several factors: items are made fresh in-store rather than mass-produced in a factory, ingredients are sourced for quality rather than cost, and labor costs are higher because staff includes trained chocolatiers. Shipping also adds to the total cost when you order online.
The company does not publish a price list online, so exact costs vary by location and by what is currently in stock. Calling a store directly or checking the website for a specific item you want is the most reliable way to know the price before you commit to an order.
Seasonal Items and Limited Availability
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory rotates its offerings by season. Valentine's Day items appear in January and February. Easter chocolates, including chocolate-covered eggs and bunny shapes, are available in spring. Fall brings pumpkin and apple flavors. Holiday assortments and gift boxes are prominent from October through December.
Items that are popular in one season may not be available year-round. If you find something you like, buying it during its season is safer than waiting, because once the season ends, that item may not return until the following year. The website and in-store displays show what is currently available.
Custom orders are sometimes possible outside of regular seasons — calling a store manager to ask about special requests is worth doing if you have a specific flavor or item in mind.
Shipping, Delivery, and Handling
Chocolate is temperature-sensitive. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory ships using insulated packaging and ice packs during cooler months, but during warm weather, shipping chocolate by mail carries a risk of melting or damage. The company typically restricts shipping to certain months or requires expedited shipping during summer to reduce this risk.
Check the website before ordering during hot months — it will tell you whether shipping is available and what options are offered. If shipping is unavailable in your area during summer, in-store pickup or visiting a local store is your alternative.
If your order arrives damaged or melted, contact customer service with photos. Most locations will replace the order or issue a refund, though policies vary by franchise location. Keep your tracking number and order confirmation email for reference.
Gift Cards and Special Orders
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory sells gift cards in denominations you choose. You can purchase them online or at a physical store. Gift cards do not expire, so the recipient can use them whenever they want. Online gift cards are delivered by email, and physical cards can be mailed or picked up in-store.
For special occasions, many locations offer custom assortments, gift boxes, and personalized packaging. Call a store at least one week in advance to discuss what you want. Staff can tell you whether your request is possible, what it costs, and when it will be ready.
Corporate and bulk orders are also handled through individual locations or the main office. If you need a large quantity for an event or business, calling the company directly or speaking with a store manager is the best starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return or exchange chocolate if I do not like it?
Return and exchange policies vary by location because each store is franchised independently. Most locations will exchange items or offer a refund if the chocolate is unopened and returned within a reasonable time. Call the store where you made your purchase or check your receipt for that location's specific policy.
Does Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory ship internationally?
The website primarily ships within the United States. International shipping is not offered through the standard online ordering system. If you need to send chocolate to another country, contact a store location directly to ask whether they can arrange a special order or alternative shipping method.
Are there nut-free or allergen-free options?
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory makes items with nuts, and some items are made in facilities where nuts are handled. If you have a severe allergy, call a store location before ordering to ask about specific items and how they are prepared. Staff can tell you which products are safe for your needs.
How long does chocolate stay fresh after I buy it?
Hand-dipped chocolates and truffles typically stay fresh for two to three weeks when stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Fudge and caramels last longer — often four to six weeks. Exact shelf life depends on the filling and ingredients. Your receipt or the product label will have storage instructions and a best-by date.
Can I order a custom cake or large custom order?
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory specializes in chocolates and confections, not cakes. However, many locations can create custom chocolate assortments, dipped items, or specialty boxes for events. Call a store manager with details about what you need, and they can tell you whether it is possible and what the cost and timeline would be.