Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Appoints Chief Operating Officer

What Happened
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. announced the appointment of David Denker as Chief Operating Officer (principal operating officer). The Board approved the appointment on August 18, 2026, with an effective start date reported as August 14, 2026; an amendment to his employment terms was dated August 18, 2026 (effective August 16, 2026). Mr. Denker had served as the Company’s Vice President of Franchise Development since September 2025.

Key Details

• Annual base salary: $185,000, payable under the Company’s normal payroll practices.
• Annual cash incentive: eligible with an initial target equal to 50% of base salary (performance-based).
• Equity incentive: eligible for restricted stock units valued at $82,500 at target, vesting based on performance goals and service.
• Separation protections: if terminated without Cause or if he resigns for Good Reason, he is entitled to (a) three months of base salary and (b) reimbursement for three months of COBRA premiums.
• Background: held senior franchise and growth roles at Cookie Plug, Salty Dawg and The Vitamin Shoppe; holds a B.S. in Business Administration (University of Vermont) and is a Certified Franchise Executive.
• Other disclosures: Mr. Denker is an at‑will employee; the filing reports no family relationships or related-party transactions requiring disclosure. A press release announcing the appointment is attached as Exhibit 99.1.

Why It Matters
This 8-K documents a senior operating hire and the related compensation terms, which formalizes leadership for day‑to‑day operations and franchise development. Investors should note the relatively modest base salary and performance-linked pay (cash bonus and RSUs), plus the limited severance (three months) disclosed in the filing—details that bear on executive incentives and near-term compensation expense. The filing also provides Mr. Denker’s relevant franchise and operations background and confirms there are no reportable related‑party issues.