Located just off of the Pedestrian mall, there is a quaint chocolate and frozen yogurt shop tucked between Plaza Center One and Pitaya. The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, attached to the Aspen Leaf Frozen Yogurt Shop, features chocolate covered fruits and marshmallows, toffee, truffles, and much more for hungry students. While this sweet treat shop has a small business feel, it is a franchise which opened in 1981. This particular franchise owner, Saf, opened the shop ten years ago and has been running it dutifully ever since. He prides himself on his long-standing business by telling us, “I still like it from the first day I opened it up.”
When entering the building, customers may be happy to find the quiet and colorful environment awaiting them. The chairs and couches set up around the shop provide comfortable seating for clients to enjoy their food and partake in conversation. The aforementioned owner, Saf, also plays a role in providing a cozy atmosphere as he made pleasant conversation with us each time we visited. We observed his interactions with other customers and noted how he makes it a priority to create a connection with each one. In particular, we noticed he seemed to have developed a relationship with recurring customers. The door stays propped open during business hours to encourage people to stop in, once again accenting its friendly feeling.
The caramel apples are the main attraction of the RMCF and Saf explains how his process for each apple has never changed. He continues to hand dip and decorate them without following any specific recipe. That is a feat within itself, but after exploring the shop, we were even more impressed by the number of choices offered. From the Cookies and Cream Apple to the Coconut Dream Apple, the chocolate factory provides a plethora of options to satisfy every customer. The best seller is the “Apple Pie Apple,” a delicious green apple covered in layers of caramel, confectioner’s sugar, and a cinnamon-sugar mixture. However, we can confidently conclude that there are many other tasty options to choose from as well.
In addition to the hand-dipped treats available, customers can also indulge in self-serve frozen yogurt. The shop offers 15 flavors that range from Milk and Cookies to Mango Delish and caters to everyone’s fro-yo tastes. Right next to the yogurt machines, there is an ample topping bar that includes a cookie dough section filled with unique flavors. After getting your yogurt and toppings, head on over to the pay station where you are guaranteed a friendly encounter with a staff member and are welcome to pick one of the various seating options available.
Saf has even thought of Iowa City dog-owners by providing a water bowl by the front door, but he didn’t stop there. He also has “chocolate” covered Milkbones, a well known dog treat, for sale in the middle of the shop. This caught our family’s eye the first time we visited, so we had to bring them home for our two pups. Unlike the apples, we cannot personally attest to the flavor of these, but our dogs loved and devoured them quickly.
After our multiple visits and conversations with the owners, we definitely recommend the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory to any college student in search of a sweet snack. With its flexible hours, usually open from 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM, and pleasant ambience, it is the perfect dessert destination. And in the words of Saf, “Just remember, we’re damn good!”
Written by: Emily Davis, Gracie Rodriguez, Elizabeth Gross, and Samuel Buman
Primetime Iowa City Guide 
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