For Gold Star, is the company obligated to make refresher or additional training programs available?
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.
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, at its option, make available or require attendance at refresher or other additional training programs as it deems appropriate. Franchisees are not charged a fee for any mandatory training programs for the franchisee or any other representative of the franchisee designated by Gold Star. However, the franchisee must pay Gold Star for attendance of any optional attendee at any mandatory program and for attendance of any attendee at any optional training program made available by Gold Star, with the fee being the standard fee then charged by Gold Star to other Restaurant franchisees for such programs.
Franchisees will not receive compensation or reimbursement for any services performed or expenses incurred during any training program. 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.
Gold Star also requires that if a franchisee seeks to renew their franchise agreement, they must ensure that they, their managers, operators, or other key employees satisfactorily complete any required initial or refresher training program. This condition highlights the importance Gold Star places on continuous training and adherence to their standards throughout the franchise term.