For Gold Star, is attendance at refresher or additional training programs ever mandatory?
Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
nitial crew of the Restaurant for such period as the COMPANY deems appropriate in its sole discretion. The initial crew must attend and successfully complete such program to the COMPANY's satisfaction prior to the opening of the Store. No fee shall be charged by the COMPANY for such program.
- 2.4 Additional Training. The COMPANY may at its option make available, or require attendance at, refresher or other additional training programs as it deems appropriate. No fee shall be charged by the COMPANY for any such training program at which attendance of FRANCHISEE or any other representative of FRANCHISEE designated by the COMPANY is mandatory. FRANCHISEE must pay the COMPANY for attendance of any optional attendee at any mandatory program and for attendance of any attendee at any optional training program made available by the COMPANY the standard fee then charged by the COMPANY to other Restaurant franchisees for such programs.
- 2.5 Expenses. It is understood that FRANCHISEE shall receive no compensation or reimbursement for any services performed or expenses incurred by FRANCHISEE or any employee or other representative of FRANCHISEE during any training program and FRANCHISEE shall be responsible for all travel, lodging, meals and other related or incidental expenses incurred by FRANCHISEE, and FRANCHISEE's employees and representatives, in connection with any such program.
- 2.6 Compliance. FRANCHISEE shall be responsible for the compliance of Store operations with the System and this Agreement and for training or causing FRANCHISEE's employees and any future new employees to be trained in such standards, methods, techniques, operations or other matters as are relevant to the performance of their respective duties in accordance with the System or as required by the COMPANY, the form and substance of such training to be satisfactory to the COMPANY.
- 2.7 Company Representative.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 53–163)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Gold Star may require franchisees or their representatives to attend refresher or other additional training programs as they deem appropriate. If attendance at these programs is mandatory, Gold Star will not charge a fee for the franchisee or their designated representative to attend. However, the franchisee must pay the standard fee for any optional attendee at a mandatory program or for any attendee at an optional training program.
Franchisees are responsible for all travel, lodging, meals, and other related expenses incurred by themselves, their employees, or representatives in connection with any training program. Franchisees or their personnel will not receive any compensation or reimbursement for services performed or expenses incurred during any training program.
Furthermore, Gold Star requires that if a manager is replaced, the franchisee must ensure the new manager complies with the training requirements outlined in Section 2 of the franchise agreement. Additionally, to renew their franchise agreement, franchisees must ensure they, their managers, operators, or other key employees satisfactorily complete any required initial or refresher training program.