Does the Gold Star company specify advertising standards and requirements in writing?
Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ng without limitation any revenues earned offpremises, such as delivery, catering events, food trucks, etc., without reserve or deduction for uncollected credit accounts. "Gross Sales" shall not include sales taxes that are separately stated and collected by FRANCHISEE or refunds, discounts or allowances that are made to customers, in good faith and consistent with the COMPANY's policies prescribed from time to time.
9. ADVERTISING.
9.1 Franchisee's Advertising; Approval by Company. All advertising by FRANCHISEE in any medium shall be conducted in a dignified manner, shall conform to such standards and requirements as the COMPANY may specify from time to time in the Manual or otherwise in writing, shall conform to all applicable laws and regulations relating to consumer advertising, shall be completely accurate and truthful, and shall give notice that the Store is independently owned and operated. FRANCHISEE shall participate in all promotions designated by the COMPANY for the market in which the Store is located and will be responsible for putting up in-store materials and the cost of Products being promoted. FRANCHISEE shall not enter into any agreement with any advertising agency without the prior written approval of the COMPANY, which may be withheld in the COMPANY's sole discretion. FRANCHISEE shall submit to the COMPANY (in accordance with Section 20 below), for the COMPANY's prior approval (except with respect to prices to be charged), samples of all advertising and promotional plans and materials, including signs, and all other materials displaying the Marks that FRANCHISEE desires to use and that have not been prepared or previously approved by the COMPANY. Unless FRANCHISEE receives a written objection from the COMPANY within fifteen (15) days after the effective date of FRANCHISEE's request, the COMPANY shall be deemed to have given the required approval.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 53–163)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Gold Star Franchise Disclosure Document, Gold Star specifies advertising standards and requirements in writing. The FDD states that all advertising by the franchisee must be conducted in a dignified manner and adhere to the standards and requirements that Gold Star specifies in the manual or in writing. The advertising must also comply with all applicable laws and regulations related to consumer advertising, be completely accurate and truthful, and indicate that the store is independently owned and operated.
As a Gold Star franchisee, you must participate in all promotions designated by Gold Star for your market and are responsible for in-store materials and the cost of the products being promoted. You cannot enter into any agreement with an advertising agency without Gold Star's prior written approval. You must submit samples of all advertising and promotional plans and materials, including signs, to Gold Star for prior approval, except for prices to be charged, and Gold Star has 15 days to provide a written objection.
The term "advertising" includes signs (including those on motor vehicles), URLs, email addresses, internet listings, banners, advertisements, and other online services. This means Gold Star maintains control over how its brand is presented in virtually all advertising mediums, ensuring consistency and quality across all franchise locations. Franchisees need to be proactive in seeking approval for their advertising materials to avoid potential conflicts and ensure compliance with Gold Star's standards.