Yogurt Chain, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Continue Co-Branding

U-Swirl Inc., parent to U-SWIRL International Inc., the owner and franchiser of U-SWIRL Frozen Yogurt cafes, has added Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory gourmet retail chocolate stores to two existing locations in Las Vegas. The stores represent the 10th and 11th co-branded locations among the U-Swirl brands, with two additional co-branded locations expected to open this year.

“As the frozen yogurt industry develops, we expect this opportunity to clearly demonstrate that co-branding the two concepts adds value to the business and complements the seasonality of yogurt sales,” said Terry Cartwright, chief operating officer. “It is an important part of our long-term strategy. The product offerings are very complementary and we expect to share positive financial results with our franchisees once we have accumulated the data throughout the winter months.”

U-Swirl is an operator and franchiser of self-serve frozen yogurt cafes that operate under the U-SWIRL Frozen Yogurt, Aspen Leaf Yogurt, Yogurtini, Gracie Bleu and Josie’s Frozen Yogurt brands. The cafes offer frozen yogurt in 20 non-fat and low-fat flavors, including tart, traditional and no-sugar-added options, along with fresh sorbet. Approximately 70 toppings such as fresh fruit, sauces, candies and granola are available to customize each serving of yogurt to the customer’s individual taste.

In January 2013, the company acquired frozen yogurt cafe assets, franchise rights and certain other assets from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Inc. in exchange for a 60 percent controlling ownership interest in the company.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Inc. (RMCF), headquartered in Durango, Colo., is an international franchiser of gourmet retail chocolate stores and manufacturer of an extensive line of premium chocolates and other confectionery products. As of Sept. 30, RMCF and its franchisees operated 358 stores in 42 states, Canada, Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.