Does Gold Star charge a training fee for the franchisee and one other attendee?
Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Note 7: Gold Star does not charge a training fee for you and 1 other attendee designated by you for 1-time enrollment in the initial training program. When Gold Star offers other types of mandatory training programs, Gold Star does not charge a training fee for one-time enrollment by any Franchisee representative that is required by Gold Star to attend that mandatory training program. Gold Star reserves the right to charge for other attendees at any initial training program or other mandatory program and the chart above reflects these potential payments. Gold Star also reserves the right to charge a training fee for any training program at which attendance is optional.
Source: Item 6 — OTHER FEES (FDD pages 12–18)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Gold Star does not charge a training fee for the franchisee and one other attendee for the initial training program. Specifically, Gold Star provides one-time enrollment in the initial training program without a training fee for the franchisee and one other designated attendee.
However, Gold Star retains the right to charge fees for additional attendees at the initial training program or other mandatory programs. The amount of these fees would be a reasonable training fee at their current rates, plus reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket costs such as travel and accommodations. These fees are payable to Gold Star before or after the franchisee opens their restaurant and are non-refundable.
Gold Star also reserves the right to charge a training fee for any training program where attendance is optional. This means that while the initial training for the franchisee and one other person is covered, franchisees should budget for potential training costs for additional staff or for optional training programs to enhance their skills and knowledge.