Does Gold Star charge a fee for the initial training of the franchisee's designated manager?
Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
nd successfully complete the COMPANY's initial training program, such that at all times FRANCHISEE shall comply with the Trainee requirements set forth in this Section 2.1. Any such initial training for replacements Trainees shall be at FRANCHISEE's expense pursuant to Section 2.2 below.
- 2.2 Initial Training. If FRANCHISEE is only required to have one Trainee pursuant to Section 2.1 above, the COMPANY shall provide the initial training program for one additional person who has been designated as a Manager at such locations as the COMPANY selects. No fee shall be charged by the COMPANY for the initial training of such Trainees. Initial training will be provided to any additional persons only if FRANCHISEE pays the COMPANY, for each additional enrollee, the standard fee then charged by the COMPANY to other Restaurant franchisees for such additional enrollment.
- 2.3 On-Site Training. The COMPANY also shall provide an initial training program at the Retail Location for the initial crew of the Restaurant for such period as the COMPANY deems appropriate in its sole discretion.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 53–163)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the company does not charge a fee for the initial training of one designated manager. If the franchisee is only required to have one trainee, Gold Star will provide initial training for one additional person designated as a manager at a location selected by Gold Star.
However, if the franchisee wants to send additional people to the initial training program beyond the one manager covered by Gold Star, the franchisee must pay a standard fee for each additional enrollee. This fee is the same fee that Gold Star charges to other restaurant franchisees for additional enrollment.
Franchisees should also be aware that while Gold Star may not charge a training fee for the initial manager, the franchisee is responsible for all travel, lodging, meals, and other related expenses incurred by the franchisee, their employees, and representatives in connection with any training program.