What agreement must each Gold Star Manager agree to in writing?

According to Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, each manager must agree in writing to be bound individually by the confidentiality, noncompete, and transfer restrictions outlined in Sections 11, 12, and 14 of the Franchise Agreement. This requirement ensures that managers are legally obligated to protect Gold Star's sensitive information, refrain from competing with the franchise, and adhere to the established transfer protocols.

This written agreement is a crucial component of Gold Star's franchise system, as it directly addresses key areas of risk and potential conflict. By binding managers to these specific sections of the Franchise Agreement, Gold Star aims to maintain consistency and protect its brand standards across all franchise locations. The confidentiality clause prevents the disclosure of proprietary information, the noncompete clause restricts managers from engaging in similar businesses, and the transfer restrictions ensure that any transfer of ownership or management adheres to Gold Star's guidelines.

For a prospective Gold Star franchisee, this requirement means that they must ensure their designated managers are willing to sign this agreement. This may involve explaining the terms and implications of the agreement to potential managers and ensuring they understand their obligations. Furthermore, franchisees need to be aware that any changes in management require prior written notice to Gold Star, and the replacement manager must also complete the initial training program to Gold Star's satisfaction. This highlights the importance of carefully selecting and training managers who are committed to upholding the standards and protecting the interests of the Gold Star franchise system.