Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is expanding its presence in Chicago and is actively exploring the Southport Corridor for a future location.
The Colorado-based confectionery company recently opened a new 1,000-square-foot store at 3 N. State St. in downtown Chicago. The shop is operated by franchisee Tyson Minnick under a 10-year lease and employs nine people.
Known for its handcrafted chocolates, gourmet caramel apples, fudge and other small-batch sweets made fresh in store, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory currently operates eight locations across Illinois, including stores in Naperville, Shorewood, La Grange and Rosemont per Chicago Business Journal.
The downtown opening is part of a broader regional expansion. Minnick said he has an agreement with the company to open 10 locations and plans to roll them out gradually, likely one to two stores per year, depending on site selection and economics.
Several high-traffic Chicago neighborhoods are under consideration for future locations, including the West Loop, North Michigan Avenue, Hyde Park and the Southport Corridor.
Minnick confirmed the Southport Corridor is already moving through early deal discussions.
“We’ve submitted a letter of intent for the Southport Corridor, but we’re not under lease yet,” he said. “If we can get the right deal, we’re targeting a fourth quarter 2026 opening.”
If a lease is finalized, the corridor could see a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory open sometime late next year as the company continues its Chicago expansion.
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