ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY FRANCHISE AGREEMENT

Exhibit 10.1

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY

FRANCHISE AGREEMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

      EXHIBITS

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC.
FRANCHISE AGREEMENT

     THIS AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”) is made this ___day of                      , 20___, by and between ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC., a Colorado corporation, located at 265 Turner Drive, Durango, Colorado 81303 (the “ Franchisor ”) and                                          , located at                                          (the “ Franchisee ”), who, on the basis of the following understandings and agreements, agree as follows:

1. PURPOSE

      1.1. The Franchisor has developed methods for establishing, operating and promoting retail stores selling gourmet chocolates and other premium confectionery products (“ ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Stores ” or “ Stores ”) using the service mark “ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY” and related trade names and trademarks (“ Marks ”) and the Franchisor’s proprietary methods of doing business (the “ Licensed Methods ”).

      1.2. The Franchisor grants the right to others to develop and operate ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Stores, under the Marks and pursuant to the Licensed Methods.

      1.3. The Franchisee desires to establish a ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store at a location identified herein or to be later identified, and the Franchisor desires to grant the Franchisee the right to operate a ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store at such location under the terms and conditions which are contained in this Agreement.

2. GRANT OF FRANCHISE

2.1. Grant of Franchise . The Franchisor grants to the Franchisee, and the Franchisee accepts from the Franchisor, the right to use the Marks and Licensed Methods in connection with the establishment and operation of a ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store, at the location described in Article 3 of this Agreement. The Franchisee agrees to use the Marks and Licensed Methods, as they may be changed, improved, and further developed by the Franchisor from time to time, only in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

2.2. Scope of Franchise Operations . The Franchisee agrees at all times to faithfully, honestly and diligently perform the Franchisee’s obligations hereunder, and to continuously exert best efforts to promote the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store. The Franchisee agrees to utilize the Marks and Licensed Methods to operate all aspects of the business franchised hereunder in accordance with the methods and systems developed and prescribed from time to time by the Franchisor, all of which are a part of the Licensed Methods. The Franchisee’s ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store shall offer such products and services as the Franchisor shall designate and shall be restricted from manufacturing, offering or selling any products or services not previously approved by the Franchisor in writing. The Franchisee is required to devote a minimum of 50% of all retail display space to ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY brand assorted bulk chocolates and boxed and packaged candies. The Franchisee’s ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store must feature ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY brand candy manufactured by the Franchisor or its designees and sold by the Franchisor (“ Factory Candy ”) and related nonconfectionery items (“ Items ”) approved by the Franchisor in writing. Depending on the retail environment and the configuration of the Store, the Franchisee may also be permitted to make, offer and sell confections made

in the Store, including caramel-covered apples and candy-covered apples (“ Store Candy ”) prepared in accordance with recipes and processes set forth in the Operations Manual, as that term is defined in Section 8.1 . Some Stores do not offer Store Candy.

3. FRANCHISED LOCATION AND DESIGNATED AREA

3.1. Franchised Location . The Franchisee is granted the right and franchise to own and operate one ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store at the address and location which shall be set forth in Exhibit I , attached hereto (“ Franchised Location ”). The type of Store configuration shall also be set forth in Exhibit I , attached hereto. Smaller Stores, regardless of their configuration, are referred to as “ Kiosks ” or “ Kiosk Stores ” in this Agreement and all references to “Stores” shall be deemed to include Kiosk Stores.

3.2. Limitation on Franchise Rights; Relocation . The rights that are hereby granted to the Franchisee are for the specific Franchised Location and cannot be transferred to an alternative Franchised Location, or any other location, without the prior written approval of the Franchisor. If the Franchisee has operated a ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store for not less than 12 months and desires to relocate it to an alternative site, the Franchisee must set forth its reasons for requesting the relocation in writing to the Franchisor, along with a proposed new location. The Franchisor will have 30 days from receipt of the Franchisee’s written request to respond. If the Franchisor approves the relocation and the proposed new location, and if the ownership of the Franchisee does not change in any respect from the ownership of the Franchisee before the relocation, then the Franchisee may move its Store to the new approved location, provided that the Franchisee signs the Franchisor’s then current form of Franchise Agreement and opens the Store at the new location within 12 months after the Store closes at its former Franchised Location. In addition, the Franchisee will be required to pay a nonrefundable design fee of $2,500 to the Franchisor for the Franchisor’s Store designers to design the layout of the Franchisee’s new Store location. A similar design fee will also apply if the Franchisee requests design assistance in remodeling its Store at any time during the term of this Agreement. See Section 5.2 below. The Marks and Licensed Methods are licensed to the Franchisee for the operation of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store only at the Franchised Location; therefore, the Franchisee may not operate food carts, participate in food festivals or offer any other type of off-site food services using the Marks and Licensed Methods without the prior written consent of the Franchisor, in which case the Franchisor and the Franchisee shall execute an addendum to this Agreement relating to the operation of “ Satellite Stores ” (if this Agreement governs the operation of a traditional Store, any Satellite Store(s) shall be governed by separate Franchise Agreements) or “ Temporary Stores .”

3.3. Franchisor’s Reservation of Rights . The Franchisee acknowledges that the franchise granted hereunder is non-exclusive and that the Franchisor retains the rights, among others: (1) to use, and to license others to use, the Marks and Licensed Methods for the operation of ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Stores, Kiosk Stores, Satellite Stores and Temporary Stores, at any location other than at the Franchised Location; (2) to use the Marks and Licensed Methods to identify services and products, promotional and marketing efforts or related items, and to identify products and services similar to or the same as those which the Franchisee will sell, but made available through alternative channels of distribution other than through traditional ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Stores, at any location other than at the Franchised Location, including, but not limited to, through Satellite Stores, Temporary Stores, Kiosk Stores, co-branded Stores, by way of mail order, (including electronic mail order), the Internet, catalog, telemarketing, other direct marketing methods, television, retail store display or through the wholesale sale of its products to unrelated retail outlets or to candy distributors or outlets located in stadiums, arenas, airports, turnpike rest stops or supermarkets; and (3) to use and license the use of other proprietary marks or methods in connection with the sale of products and services similar to those which the Franchisee will sell or in connection with the operation of retail stores selling gourmet

chocolates or other premium confectionery products, at any location other than at the Franchised Location, which stores are the same as, or similar to, or different from a traditional ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store or a Satellite Store, a Temporary Store or a Kiosk Store, on any terms and conditions as the Franchisor deems advisable, and without granting the Franchisee any rights therein.

4. INITIAL FEES

4.1. Initial Franchise Fee . In consideration for the right to develop and operate one ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store, the Franchisee agrees to pay to the Franchisor an initial franchise fee in the amount set forth in Exhibit I attached hereto, all of which is due and payable on the date the Franchisee signs this Agreement. The Franchisee acknowledges and agrees that the initial franchise fee represents payment for the initial grant of the rights to use the Marks and Licensed Methods, that the Franchisor has earned the initial franchise fee upon receipt thereof and that the fee is under no circumstances refundable to the Franchisee after it is paid, except as set forth in Section 5.8 of this Agreement. If a transfer occurs, no initial franchise fee shall be due at the time that the Franchisee transfers the Store to another party, but a transfer fee will apply as set forth in Section 16.2 of this Agreement.

5. DEVELOPMENT OF FRANCHISED LOCATION

5.1. Approval of Lease . The Franchisee shall obtain the Franchisor’s prior written approval before executing any lease or purchase agreement for the Franchised Location. Any lease for the Franchised Location shall, at the option of the Franchisor, contain provisions including: (1) allowing for assignment of the lease to the Franchisor in the event that this Agreement is terminated or not renewed for any reason; (2) giving the Franchisor the right to cure any default by the Franchisee under such lease; and/or (3) providing the Franchisor with the right, exercisable upon and as a condition of the approval of the Franchised Location, to execute the lease agreement or other document providing entitlement to the use of the Franchised Location in its own name or jointly with the Franchisee as lessee and, upon the exercise of such option, the Franchisor shall provide the Franchisee with the right to use the premises as its sublessee, assignee, or other similar capacity upon the same terms and conditions as obtained by the Franchisor. The Franchisee shall deliver a copy of the signed lease for the Franchised Location to the Franchisor within 15 days of its execution. The Franchisee acknowledges that approval of a lease for the Franchised Location by the Franchisor does not constitute a recommendation, endorsement or guarantee by the Franchisor of the suitability of the location or the lease and the Franchisee should take all steps necessary to ascertain whether such location and lease are acceptable to the Franchisee.

5.2. Conversion and Design . The Franchisee acknowledges that the layout, design, decoration and color scheme of ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Stores are an integral part of the Franchisor’s proprietary Licensed Methods and accordingly, the Franchisee shall convert, design and decorate the Franchised Location in accordance with the Franchisor’s plans and specifications which are contained in a Design and Construction Manual that is considered, for the purposes of this Agreement, to be a part of the Operations Manual, defined in Section 8.1 . The Franchisee shall hire an architect/designer to prepare written plans for the Store’s layout and construction, which plans shall be submitted to the Franchisor for its prior written approval. Throughout the term of this Agreement, the Franchisee shall also obtain the Franchisor’s written consent to any remodeling or decoration of the premises before remodeling or decorating begins, recognizing that such remodeling, decoration and any related costs are the Franchisee’s sole responsibility. If the Franchisee remodels its Store or if the Franchisee relocates its Store at any time during the term of this Agreement, the Franchisee shall pay the Franchisor $2,500 for the Franchisor’s review and approval of the new Store design.

5.3. Signs . The Franchisee shall purchase or otherwise obtain for use at the Franchised Location and in connection with the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store, signs which comply with the standards and specifications of the Franchisor as set forth in the Operations Manual, as that term is defined in Section 8.1 . It is the Franchisee’s sole responsibility to insure that any signs comply with applicable local ordinances, building codes and zoning regulations. Any modifications to the Franchisor’s standards and specifications for signs that must be made due to local ordinances, codes or regulations shall be submitted to the Franchisor for prior written approval. The Franchisee acknowledges the Marks, or any other name, symbol or identifying marks on any signs shall only be used in accordance with the Franchisor’s standards and specifications and only with the prior written approval of the Franchisor.

5.4. Equipment . The Franchisee shall purchase or otherwise obtain for use at the Franchised Location and in connection with the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store, equipment of a type and in an amount which complies with the standards and specifications of the Franchisor. The Franchisee acknowledges that the type, quality, configuration, capability and/or performance of the equipment are all standards and specifications which are a part of the Licensed Methods and therefore such equipment must be purchased, leased, or otherwise obtained in accordance with the Franchisor’s standards and specifications and only from suppliers or other sources approved by the Franchisor. The Franchisee must purchase a facsimile machine and connect it to a phone line that is separate from the main phone number for the Store. The Franchisee shall equip the Store with an integrated store information system (“ System ”), computer hardware and software, printers and other designated equipment consistent with the standards and specifications of the Franchisor. The Franchisor requires that it be given reasonable access to information and data regarding the Franchisee’s ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store by computer modem with a separate phone line dedicated to such modem, or by another form of electronic transmission. The Franchisee must purchase and maintain throughout the term of this Agreement a maintenance and support agreement for the System with the Franchisor’s designated supplier. The Franchisor also requires the Franchisee to obtain and maintain an account with an Internet service provider that meets the Franchisor’s standards and specifications to facilitate electronic communication.

5.5. Electronic Communications . The Franchisee shall obtain and maintain computer hardware, software and an Internet connection meeting the Franchisor’s standards and specifications as they may exist from time to time. The Franchisee agrees that the Franchisor may assign an electronic mail address to the Franchisee and the Franchisee agrees to use such address to access messages and information posted by the Franchisor and other ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY franchise owners. The Franchisor may post information about the Franchisee’s Store on the Franchisor’s intranet system for comparative analysis purposes. The Franchisee agrees to participate in the Franchisor’s electronic intranet system and to abide by the terms of use governing it. Information on the Franchisor’s intranet system and the terms of use governing the Franchisor’s intranet system are deemed to be incorporated into the terms of the Operations Manual and any violations of the terms of use will be treated as a violation of the rules governing the Operations Manual.

5.6. Permits and Licenses . The Franchisee agrees to obtain all such permits and certifications as may be required for the lawful construction and operation of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store together with all certifications from government authorities having jurisdiction over the site, that all requirements for construction and operation have been met, including without limitation, zoning, access, sign, health, safety requirements, building and other required construction permits, licenses to do business and fictitious name registrations, sales tax permits, health and sanitation permits and ratings and fire clearances. The Franchisee agrees to obtain all customary contractors’ sworn statements and partial and final lien waivers for construction, remodeling, decorating and installation of equipment at the Franchised Location. The Franchisee shall sign and deliver to the Franchisor the Permit,

License and Construction Certificate set forth as Exhibit V to this Agreement, to confirm Franchisee’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other provisions of this Section 5.6 not later than 30 days prior to the date the Store begins operating. Copies of all inspection reports, warnings, certificates and ratings issued by any governmental entity during the term of this Agreement in connection with the conduct of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store which indicates the Franchisee’s failure to meet or maintain the highest governmental standards, or less than full compliance by the Franchisee with any applicable law, rule or regulation, shall be forwarded to the Franchisor within five days of the Franchisee’s receipt thereof.

5.7. Anti-Terrorism Representation . The Franchisee represents to the Franchisor that it and all persons or entities holding any legal or beneficial interest whatsoever in the Franchisee are not included in, owned by, controlled by, acting for or on behalf of, providing assistance, support, sponsorship, or services of any kind to, or otherwise associated with any of the persons or entities referred to or described in Executive Order 13224-Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions with Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism, as amended.

5.8. Commencement of Operations . Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Franchisor and the Franchisee, the Franchisee has 180 days from the date of this Agreement within which to complete the initial training program, described in Section 6.1 of this Agreement, develop the Franchised Location and commence operation of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store. Failure to commence operations within this time frame shall constitute grounds for termination under Article 18 of this Agreement. If this Agreement is terminated by the Franchisor for failure to commence operation of the Store within applicable time limits, $5,000 of the initial franchise fee will be refunded to the Franchisee. The Franchisor will extend the time in which the Franchisee has to commence operations for a reasonable period of time in the event factors beyond the Franchisee’s reasonable control prevent the Franchisee from meeting this development schedule, so long as the Franchisee has made reasonable and continuing efforts to comply with such development obligations and the Franchisee requests, in writing, an extension of time in which to have its ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store established before such development period lapses. However, notwithstanding the Franchisor’s written agreement to extend the Franchisee’s development period, if more than 270 days elapse between the date of this Agreement and the commencement of operation of the Store, the Franchisor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to require the Franchisee to execute the Franchisor’s then current form of Franchise Agreement or an amendment to this Agreement to conform this Agreement with the terms of the then current Franchise Agreement.

6. TRAINING

6.1. Initial Training Program . After the Franchisee executes a lease for the Franchised Location, the Franchisee or, if the Franchisee is not an individual, the person designated by the Franchisee to assume primary responsibility for the management of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store, (“ General Manager ”) is required to attend and successfully complete the initial training program which is offered by the Franchisor at one of the Franchisor’s designated training facilities. Up to three individuals are eligible to participate in the Franchisor’s initial training program without charge of a tuition or fee. The Franchisee shall be responsible for any and all traveling and living expenses incurred in connection with attendance at the training program. At least one individual must successfully complete the initial training program prior to the Franchisee’s commencement of operation of its ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store.

6.2. Length of Training . The initial training program shall consist of 7 days of instruction at a location designated by the Franchisor; provided, however, that the Franchisor reserves the right to waive a

portion of the training program or alter the training schedule, if in the Franchisor’s sole discretion, the Franchisee or General Manager has sufficient prior experience or training.

6.3. Additional Training . From time to time, the Franchisor may present seminars, conventions or continuing development programs or conduct meetings or webinars for the benefit of the Franchisee. The Franchisee or its General Manager shall be required to attend any ongoing mandatory seminars, webinars, conventions, programs or meetings as may be offered by the Franchisor. The Franchisor shall give the Franchisee at least 30 days prior written notice of any ongoing seminar, convention or program that is deemed mandatory. The Franchisor shall not require that the Franchisee attend any ongoing training in person more often than once a year. All mandatory training will be offered without charge of a tuition or fee; provided, however, the Franchisee will be responsible for all traveling and living expenses which are associated with attendance at the same.

7. DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

7.1. Franchisor’s Development Assistance . The Franchisor shall provide the Franchisee with assistance in the initial establishment of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store as follows:

     a. Provision of the initial training program to be conducted at the Franchisor’s designated training facilities or at another location designated by the Franchisor, as described in Article 6 above.

     b. Provision of written guidelines for a Franchised Location that shall include, without limitation, specifications for space requirements and build out. The Franchisee acknowledges that the Franchisor shall have no other obligation to provide assistance in the selection and approval of a Franchised Location other than the provision of such written specifications and approval or disapproval of a proposed Franchised Location, which approval or disapproval shall be based on information submitted to the Franchisor in a form sufficient to assess the proposed location as may be required by the Franchisor, in the Franchisor’s sole discretion, and on information gathered by the Franchisor.

     c. Direction regarding the required conversion, design and decoration of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store premises, plus specifications concerning signs, seasonal graphics, music, decor and equipment.

     d. Direction regarding the selection of suppliers of equipment, seasonal graphics, music, items and materials used and inventory offered for sale in connection with the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store. The Franchisor will determine the Franchisee’s initial inventory of Factory Candy that the Franchisee will purchase, depending on the size and configuration of the Store. After execution of this Agreement, the Franchisor will provide the Franchisee with a list of approved suppliers, if any, of such equipment, items, seasonal graphics, music, materials and inventory and, if available, a description of any national or central purchase and supply agreements offered by such approved suppliers for the benefit of ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY franchisees.

     e. Provision of an Operations Manual in accordance with Section 8.1 below.

     f. As the Franchisor may reasonably schedule, and depending on availability of personnel, the Franchisor will make available to the Franchisee at or close to the opening of the Franchisee’s ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store, a representative (“ Site

Representative ”) who will be present for up to five days beginning approximately three days prior to the opening of the Franchisee’s ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store. If the Franchisee’s Store opens on or near a holiday, however, the Site Representative shall not begin the in-Store assistance until three days after the holiday. Holidays shall include, but not be limited to, New Years Day, Valentines Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas. There will be no charge to the Franchisee for this service provided by the Franchisor. The Site Representative will assist the Franchisee’s employees in opening the Store, unless in the Franchisor’s determination, the Franchisee or the General Manager have sufficient prior training or experience.

8. OPERATIONS MANUAL

8.1. Operations Manual . The Franchisor agrees to loan to the Franchisee one or more manuals, technical bulletins, cookbooks and recipes and other written materials (collectively referred to as “ Operations Manual ”) covering Factory Candy ordering, Store Candy manufacturing, processing and stocking and other operating and in-store marketing techniques for the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store. The Franchisee agrees that it shall comply with the Operations Manual as an essential aspect of its obligations under this Agreement, that the Operations Manual shall be deemed to be incorporated herein by reference and failure by the Franchisee to substantially comply with the Operations Manual may be considered by the Franchisor to be a breach of this Agreement. Upon the expiration, transfer or termination of this Agreement for any reason, the Franchisee shall return to the Franchisor, or transfer to an approved transferee, if applicable, all volumes of the manuals which together comprise the Operations Manual. Failure to return or transfer, as applicable, all volumes of the Operations Manual in good condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted, shall cost the Franchisee $150 per volume, payable to the Franchisor upon demand.

8.2. Confidentiality of Operations Manual Contents . The Franchisee agrees to use the Marks and Licensed Methods only as specified in the Operations Manual. The Operations Manual is the sole property of the Franchisor and shall be used by the Franchisee only during the term of this Agreement and in strict accordance with the terms and conditions hereof. The Franchisee shall not duplicate the Operations Manual nor disclose its contents to persons other than its employees or officers who have signed the form of Confidentiality and Noncompetition Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit VI and incorporated herein by reference. The Franchisee shall return the Operations Manual to the Franchisor upon the expiration, termination or transfer of this Agreement.

8.3. Changes to Operations Manual . The Franchisor reserves the right to revise the Operations Manual from time to time as it deems necessary to update or change operating and marketing techniques, standards and specifications for all components of the Licensed Methods and approved Factory Candy, Items and Store Candy offered by Stores. The Franchisee, within 30 days of receiving any updated information, shall in turn update its copy of the Operations Manual as instructed by the Franchisor and shall conform its operations with the updated provisions within a reasonable time after receipt of such updated information. The Franchisee acknowledges that a master copy of the Operations Manual maintained by the Franchisor at its principal office shall be controlling in the event of a dispute relative to the content of any Operations Manual.

9. OPERATING ASSISTANCE

9.1. Franchisor’s Services . The Franchisor agrees that, during the Franchisee’s operation of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store, the Franchisor shall make available to the Franchisee the following services:

     a. Upon the reasonable request of the Franchisee, consultation by telephone and electronic mail regarding the continued operation and management of a ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store and advice regarding the retail services, product quality control, inventory issues, customer relations issues and similar advice.

     b. Access to advertising and promotional materials as may be developed by the Franchisor, the cost of which may be passed on to the Franchisee at the Franchisor’s option.

     c. On-going updates of information and programs regarding the candy industry, the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY concept and related Licensed Methods, including, without limitation, information about special or new products which may be developed and made available to ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY franchisees.

     d. Depending on availability, allow replacement or additional General Managers to attend the initial training program. The Franchisor reserves the right to charge a tuition or fee in an amount payable in advance, commensurate with the Franchisor’s then current published prices for such training. The Franchisee shall be responsible for all travel and living expenses incurred by its personnel during the training program. Further, the availability of the training program shall be subject to space considerations and prior commitments to new ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY franchisees.

9.2. Additional Franchisor Services . Although not obligated to do so, upon the reasonable request of the Franchisee, the Franchisor may make its employees or designated agents available to the Franchisee for on-site advice and assistance in connection with the on-going operation of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store governed by this Agreement. In the event that the Franchisee requests such additional assistance and the Franchisor agrees to provide the same, the Franchisor reserves the right to charge the Franchisee for all travel, lodging, living expenses, telephone charges and other identifiable expenses associated with such assistance, plus a fee based on the time spent by each employee on behalf of the Franchisee, which fee will be charged in accordance with the then current daily or hourly rates being charged by the Franchisor for assistance.

10. FRANCHISEE’S OPERATIONAL COVENANTS

10.1. Store Operations . The Franchisee acknowledges that it is solely responsible for the successful operation of its ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store and that the continued successful operation thereof is, in part, dependent upon the Franchisee’s compliance with this Agreement and the Operations Manual. In addition to all other obligations contained in this Agreement and in the Operations Manual, the Franchisee covenants that:

     a. The Franchisee shall maintain clean, efficient and high quality ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store operations and shall operate the business in accordance with the Operations Manual and in such a manner as not to detract from or adversely reflect upon the name and reputation of the Franchisor and the goodwill associated with the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY name and Marks.

     b. The Franchisee will operate its ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store in compliance with all applicable laws, health department regulations and other ordinances. In connection therewith, the Franchisee will be solely and fully responsible for obtaining any and all licenses to operate the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store. The Franchisee shall promptly forward to the Franchisor copies of all health department,

fire department, building department and other similar reports of inspections as and when they become available.

     c. The Franchisee and all persons who work behind the counter at the Store in any capacity, whether or not they are employees of the Franchisee (“ Personnel ”), shall conduct themselves in such a manner so as to promote a good image to the public and to the business community. At no time shall any of the Personnel engage in unreasonable or disrespectful behavior toward anyone, including using offensive or rude language or gestures. The Franchisee shall at all times require its Personnel to follow the Code of Conduct as set forth in the Operations Manual.

     d. The Franchisee acknowledges that proper management of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store is important and shall insure that the Franchisee or a designated General Manager who has completed the Franchisor’s initial training program be responsible for the management of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store after commencement of Store operations and be present at the Franchised Location during operation of the Store.

     e. The Franchisee shall offer only authorized products and services as are more fully described in the vendor lists which are a part of the Operations Manual, which may include, without limitation, Factory Candy, Store Candy, Items and other authorized confectionery food and beverage products. Further, the Franchisee shall operate the Store using only those supplies, equipment, ingredients, signs, décor, music and methods which are described in the Operations Manual. The Franchisee shall offer only the types of products and services as from time to time may be prescribed by the Franchisor and shall refrain from offering any other types of products or services, from or through the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store, including, without limitation, filling “Wholesale Orders,” defined below, selling Factory Candy, Store Candy, Items or other authorized products through the Internet, or catering or other off-premises sales, without the prior written consent of the Franchisor. “ Wholesale Orders ” are defined as those orders or sales where the principal purpose of the purchase is for resale, not consumption, or any sale other than those sold over the counter at a price other than that price charged to the general public; provided, however, that volume discounted sales made on the premises at the Franchised Location to a single purchaser, not for resale, and discounted sales made on the premises at the Franchised Location to charitable organizations for fund-raising purposes shall be permitted. Factory Candy, Store Candy and Items shall never be sold in containers or bags other than those approved and supplied by the Franchisor or other supplier approved by the Franchisor.

     f. The Franchisee shall promptly pay when due all taxes and other obligations owed to third parties in the operation of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store, including without limitation, unemployment and sales taxes, and any and all accounts or other indebtedness of every kind incurred by the Franchisee in the conduct of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store. In the event of a bona fide dispute as to the liability for taxes assessed or other indebtedness, the Franchisee may contest the validity or the amount of the tax or indebtedness in accordance with procedures of the taxing authority or applicable law; however, in no event shall the Franchisee permit a tax sale or seizure by levy or execution or similar writ or warrant, or attachment by a creditor to occur against the premises of the Franchised Location, or any improvement thereon.

     g. The Franchisee shall subscribe for and maintain not fewer than two or three separate telephone numbers for its ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store at the Franchised Location, depending on the size and configuration of the Store or Kiosk. One number

shall be used exclusively for voice communication, the second shall be used exclusively for the modem that is included in the System. If a third telephone number is required, it shall be used exclusively for a facsimile machine. The telephone number and, if applicable, the facsimile machine number, shall be listed and identified exclusively with the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store in all official telephone directories and in all advertising in which such numbers appear and shall be separate and distinct from all other telephone numbers subscribed for by the Franchisee.

     h. The Franchisee shall comply with all agreements with third parties related to the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store including, in particular, all provisions of any lease for the Franchised Location.

     i. The Franchisee and all employees of the Franchisee shall adhere to strict grooming and dress code guidelines, as described in the Code of Conduct set forth in the Operations Manual, while on duty at the Franchised Location. The Franchisee is required, at the Franchisee’s expense, to purchase specified apparel from suppliers approved by the Franchisor. All General Managers, employees of the Franchisee, the Franchisee and its owners shall wear the specified apparel at all times while working at the Franchised Location. The Franchisor has the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to change or modify such grooming and dress code guidelines in the Operations Manual.

     j. The Franchisee agrees to renovate, refurbish, remodel or replace, at its own expense, the personal property and equipment used in the operation of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store, when reasonably required by the Franchisor in order to comply with the image, standards of operation and performance capability established by the Franchisor from time to time. If the Franchisor changes its image or standards of operation, it shall give the Franchisee a reasonable period of time within which to comply with such changes.

     k. The Franchisee shall be responsible for training all of its Personnel who work in any capacity in the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store. The Franchisee must conduct its Personnel training in the manner and according to the standards as prescribed in the Operations Manual. All Personnel who do not satisfactorily complete the training shall not work in any capacity in the Franchisee’s ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store.

     l. The Franchisee shall at all times during the term of this Agreement own and control the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store authorized hereunder. The Franchisee shall not operate any other business or profession from or through the Store. If the Franchisee is an entity, the entity shall only operate the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store governed by this Agreement and no other business, unless the Franchisee receives the Franchisor’s prior written approval. Upon request of the Franchisor, the Franchisee shall promptly provide satisfactory proof of such ownership to the Franchisor. The Franchisee represents that the Statement of Ownership, attached hereto as Exhibit III and by this reference incorporated herein, is true, complete, accurate and not misleading, and, in accordance with the information contained in the Statement of Ownership, the controlling ownership of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store is held by the Franchisee. The Franchisee shall promptly provide the Franchisor with a written notification if the information contained in the Statement of Ownership changes at any time during the term of this Agreement and shall comply with the applicable transfer provisions contained in Article 16 herein. In addition, if the Franchisee is an entity, all of the owners of the Franchisee shall sign the Personal Guaranty attached hereto as Exhibit II .

     m. The Franchisee shall at all times during the term of this Agreement keep its ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store open during the business hours designated by the Franchisor from time to time in the Operations Manual.

10.2. Factory Candy Purchases . The Franchisee shall, during the term of this Agreement, maintain a sufficient inventory of Factory Candy and related products, to allow it to meet customer demands for the products offered by a ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store and in compliance with the Franchisor’s standards and specifications as may be described in the Operations Manual from time to time. The Franchisee agrees to purchase from the Franchisor or its designated suppliers, all of the Factory Candy and related products required for the Franchisee’s operation of the Store, as may be offered for sale by the Franchisor or its designated suppliers from time to time.

10.3. Payment for Factory Candy . Unless notified in writing otherwise by the Franchisor, all Factory Candy and related products shall be sold and shipped to the Franchisee on a net 30-day basis, or according to the then current payment terms set by the Franchisor or its designated suppliers. The Franchisor reserves the right to charge interest at the rate of 1.5% per month if the Franchisee fails to pay for its orders on time and the Franchisor reserves the right to discontinue shipment of Factory Candy and related products to the Franchisee if the Franchisee is repeatedly delinquent in paying for its Factory Candy and related products, in the Franchisor’s sole discretion. The Franchisee may be required to “prepay” Factory Candy orders, notwithstanding the payment policy set forth above, in the event of poor payment performance. The Franchisor reserves the right to change payment terms and policies at any time. The Franchisor also reserves the right to change the prices for Factory Candy and related products from time to time as may be set forth in the most recent price bulletin sent to all franchisees or the then current Operations Manual.

10.4. Limitations on Supply Obligations . The delivery of Factory Candy and related products by the Franchisor or its designated suppliers is subject to and conditioned upon availability. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed by the Franchisee to be a promise or guarantee by the Franchisor as to the continued existence of any particular Factory Candy or related product, nor shall any provision herein imply or establish an obligation on the part of the Franchisor and its designated suppliers to sell Factory Candy and related products to the Franchisee if the Franchisee is in arrears on any payment to the Franchisor and its designated suppliers or otherwise in default under this Agreement.

10.5. Changes in Products . The Franchisee understands that the Franchisor and its designated suppliers shall have the right, at any time and without notice, to add items to, or withdraw items from, the list of Factory Candy and related products; to add to or delete from the list of designated suppliers of Factory Candy and related products; to change the formulation of any particular Factory Candy or product; and to change the prices, discounts or terms of sale of any Factory Candy or product; provided, however, no such changes in prices, discounts or terms shall affect accepted orders pending with the Franchisor and its designated suppliers at the time of change. No such changes will give the Franchisee the right to recover damages against, or be reimbursed by, the Franchisor and its designated suppliers for any losses suffered by the Franchisee.

11. ROYALTIES

11.1. Monthly Royalty . The Franchisee agrees to pay to the Franchisor a monthly royalty (“ Royalty ”) equal to 5% of its Gross Retail Sales generated from or through its ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store. The Franchisee also agrees to pay a quarterly Royalty based on Adjusted Gross Retail Sales during each calendar quarter. The amount of monthly Royalty paid during each quarter shall be credited toward the amount of quarterly Royalty owed. Within 15 days following the end of each calendar quarter, the Franchisor shall calculate the amount of the Franchisee’s Adjusted Gross Retail

Sales during the previous quarter and the Franchisee shall owe the Franchisor a quarterly Royalty equal to 10% of its Adjusted Gross Retail Sales. “ Adjusted Gross Retail Sales ” shall be calculated as the amount of “Gross Retail Sales,” defined in Section 11.2 below, minus a fixed dollar amount for each pound of Factory Candy purchased from the Franchisor and minus a multiple of the wholesale price, as specified by the Franchisor, on certain Store Candy ingredients, packaging and other products and supplies purchased from the Franchisor during the previous calendar quarter. The Franchisor reserves the right to change the fixed dollar amount per pound of Factory Candy and the multiple of the wholesale price from time to time, in the Franchisor’s sole discretion. The Franchisee shall be notified of any credits from or amounts owing to the Franchisor for the quarterly Royalty based on Adjusted Gross Retail Sales. Any credits or amounts owed will be added to or deducted from the following month’s monthly Royalty payment. If the Franchisee owns other ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Stores governed by other franchise agreements that calculate Royalties differently than described above, the Franchisor reserves the right to adjust the calculation of Adjusted Gross Retail Sales based on variances in other Stores’ past and current purchases.

11.2. Gross Retail Sales . “ Gross Retail Sales ” shall be defined as receipts and income of any kind from all products or services sold from or through the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store, including any such sale of products or services made for cash or upon credit, or partly for cash and partly for credit, regardless of collection of charges for which credit is given, less returns for which refunds are made, provided that the refund shall not exceed the sales price and exclusive of discounts, sales taxes and other taxes, amounts received in settlement of a loss of merchandise, shipping expenses paid by the customer and certain discount sales to corporations or to charities for fund-raising purposes. “Gross Retail Sales” shall also include the fair market value of any services or products received by the Franchisee in barter or in exchange for its services and products.

11.3. Royalty Payments . The Franchisee agrees that Royalty payments shall be paid monthly and sent to the Franchisor, post-marked no later than the 15th of each month based on Gross Retail Sales for the immediately preceding month. Royalty payments shall be accompanied by monthly reports, as more fully described in Article 15 hereof, and standard transmittal forms containing information regarding the Franchisee’s Gross Retail Sales and such additional information as may be requested by the Franchisor. The Franchisor reserves the right to require Royalty payments be made on a weekly or bi-weekly basis if the Franchisee does not timely or fully submit the required payments or reports. The Franchisor shall have the right to verify such Royalty payments from time to time as it deems necessary, in any reasonable manner. In the event that the Franchisee fails to pay any Royalties within 14 days after they are due, the Franchisee shall, in addition to such Royalties, pay a late charge equivalent to 18% of the late Royalty payment; provided, however, in no event shall the Franchisee be required to pay a late payment at a rate greater than the maximum interest rate permitted by applicable law. If the Franchisee pays Royalties with a check returned for non-sufficient funds more than one time in any calendar year, in addition to all other remedies which may be available, the Franchisor shall have the right to require that Royalty payments be made by certified or cashier’s checks.

11.4. Authorization for Prearranged Payments by Electronic Transfer . The Franchisor reserves the right to require that Royalty payments, late charges and payment of the Marketing and Promotion Fee and late charges (as set forth in Section 12.3 below) be made by means of electronic funds transfer and the Franchisee agrees to provide the information necessary to implement such transfer payments within 30 days of receiving notice that such a program is being implemented. By signing this Agreement, the Franchisee authorizes the Franchisor to initiate debit entries and/or credit correction entries to the Franchisee’s checking or savings account indicated on the Addendum to this Agreement related to the Authorization of Prearranged Payments attached to this Agreement as Exhibit IV , and authorizes the depository named on Exhibit IV (“ Depository ”) to debit such account pursuant to the Franchisor’s instructions. The Franchisee shall complete the form attached as Exhibit IV with the information

requested. This authority is to remain in full force and effect until Depository has received joint written notification from the Franchisor and the Franchisee of the Franchisee’s termination of such authority in such time and in such manner as to afford Depository a reasonable opportunity to act on it. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Depository shall provide the Franchisor and the Franchisee with 30 days’ prior written notice of the termination of this authority. If an erroneous debit entry is initiated to the Franchisee’s account, the Franchisee shall have the right to have the amount of such entry credited to such account by Depository, if (a) within 15 calendar days following the date on which Depository sent to the Franchisee a statement of account or a written notice pertaining to such entry or (b) 45 days after posting, whichever occurs first, the Franchisee shall have sent to Depository a written notice identifying such entry, stating that such entry was in error and requesting Depository to credit the amount thereof to such account. These rights are in addition to any rights the Franchisee may have under federal and state banking laws.

12. ADVERTISING

12.1. Approval of Advertising . The Franchisee shall obtain the Franchisor’s prior written approval of all advertising or other marketing or promotional programs published by any method, including print, broadcast and electronic media, regarding the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store, including, without limitation, “Yellow Pages” advertising, newspaper ads, flyers, brochures, coupons, direct mail pieces, specialty and novelty items, radio, television, Internet and World Wide Web advertising. The Franchisee acknowledges and agrees that the Franchisor may disapprove of any advertising, marketing or promotional programs submitted to the Franchisor, for any reason, in the Franchisor’s sole discretion. The Franchisee shall also obtain the Franchisor’s prior written approval of all promotional materials provided by vendors. The proposed written advertising or a description of the marketing or promotional program shall be submitted to the Franchisor at least 10 days prior to publication, broadcast or use. The Franchisee acknowledges that advertising and promoting the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store in accordance with the Franchisor’s standards and specifications is an essential aspect of the Licensed Methods, and the Franchisee agrees to comply with all advertising standards and specifications. The Franchisee shall display all required promotional materials, signs, point of purchase displays and other marketing materials in its ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store in the manner prescribed by the Franchisor. The Franchisee shall not, under any circumstances, use handwritten signs in the operation of its Store. The Franchisee agrees to participate in any gift card or customer loyalty card programs implemented by the Franchisor in accordance with all of the Franchisor’s standards and specifications. The Franchise acknowledges and agrees that a gift card or customer loyalty card program may require the Franchisee to purchase gift cards or other products or services from the Franchisor or from a designated third-party supplier.

12.2. Local Advertising . The Franchisor reserves the right to require the Franchisee to spend up to 1% of monthly Gross Retail Sales on local advertising to create public awareness of the Franchisee’s ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store. The Franchisee will submit to the Franchisor an accounting of the amounts spent on advertising within 30 days following the end of each calendar quarter. If the Franchisor requires its franchisees to advertise locally as described above, all Franchisor-owned Stores will be required to spend money for local advertising on an equal percentage basis with all franchised Stores. If the Franchisee’s lease requires it to advertise locally, the Franchisor may, in its sole discretion, count such expenditures toward the Franchisee’s local advertising expenditure required by this Section 12.2 . The Franchisee shall obtain the Franchisor’s prior written approval of all written advertising and promotional materials before publication, in accordance with Section 12.1 above.

12.3. Marketing and Promotion Fee . The Franchisee shall pay to the Franchisor, in addition to Royalties, a fee of up to 2% of the total amount of the Franchisee’s Gross Retail Sales (“ Marketing and Promotion Fee ”). The Franchisor may change the amount of the Marketing and Promotion Fee upon 30 days notice, but the amount will not exceed 2% of Gross Retail Sales. The Marketing and Promotion Fee

shall be in addition to and not in lieu of the Franchisee’s expenditures for local advertising, as described in Section 12.2 above. The following terms and conditions will apply:

     a. The Marketing and Promotion Fee shall be payable concurrently with the payment of the Royalties, and transmitted to the Franchisor in accordance with Sectio