TL;DR
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory has appointed Al Harper as Interim Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer for a 180-day term. Harper brings decades of executive leadership experience and a deep understanding of franchising and consumer brands to the role.
DURANGO, Colo., June 30, 2026 // GLOBE NEWSWIRE // -- Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. (Nasdaq: RMCF) (the “Company” or “RMCF”) today announced the appointment of former Board member, Al Harper, as Interim Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer for a 180-day term, effective immediately.
The Board and Executive Leadership Team will continue to pursue the company’s stated strategic priorities and support franchisees and operations. No changes are expected to the strategic direction or day-to-day operations as a result of the leadership transition.
“We are pleased to welcome Al Harper as Interim Chief Executive Officer,” said Mel Keating, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Al brings decades of executive leadership experience, a deep understanding of franchising and consumer brands, and a long-standing connection to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and the Durango community. Having previously served on our Board of Directors, he understands our business, franchise system and opportunities for growth.
The Board has full confidence in Al’s ability to lead the Company through this next phase. We remain committed to supporting our franchisees, employees, shareholders and guests while continuing to execute our strategic priorities.”
“I am honored by the Board’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to serve Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory during this important time,” said Mr. Harper. “Our focus remains on supporting our franchisees and employees, delivering exceptional products and experiences for our guests and executing the Company’s strategic priorities. I look forward to working alongside our talented leadership team, franchise partners and Board of Directors as we continue building on the momentum across our business.”
Al Harper is a former Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory board member with experience in franchised businesses, consumer brands, and publicly traded companies. He has served as a chief executive officer, board member and strategic advisor, and has worked to strengthen operations, support growth, and provide long-term value. Mr. Harper previously served on the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Board of Directors and brings an understanding of the Company’s business, franchise system and had involvement with the Durango community.
In this story
This story was originally published in Franchising.com on June 30, 2026. Burnaze summarizes and links to the original reporting.
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