What condition must be met regarding the initial crew training before a Gold Star restaurant can open?
Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Gold Star also requires your initial crew to participate in a 5 to 7 (5-9 days) 5 hours/day training program conducted at your Restaurant before you open it to the general public. This training usually is provided during the week before the scheduled opening of your Restaurant. The initial crew must complete the training to Gold Star's satisfaction before your Restaurant opens. Gold Star does not charge you for this training program for the initial crew; however, you do not receive any compensation or reimbursement for any services performed or expenses incurred by you or any of your crew, employees or other representatives during the initial crew training program and you are responsible for all travel, lodging, meal and other related or incidental expenses incurred by them during or regarding the initial crew training program. Gold Star's initial crew training program as of December 31, 2024 is described in the following chart. The program is subject to modification by Gold Star.
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 26–36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Gold Star Franchise Disclosure Document, the initial crew must complete the training program to Gold Star's satisfaction before the restaurant can open to the public. This pre-opening training program typically occurs during the week leading up to the restaurant's scheduled opening. The program is 5 to 7 days (5-9 days) long, with 5 hours of training per day.
Gold Star does not charge franchisees for this initial crew training. However, the franchisee is responsible for all expenses incurred by themselves and their crew during the training, including travel, lodging, and meals. The FDD states that the training program is subject to modification by Gold Star, so the specifics of the training may change.
This requirement ensures that the crew is adequately prepared to operate the Gold Star restaurant according to the brand's standards. Franchisees should budget for the expenses associated with this training and confirm the exact duration and content of the program with Gold Star to ensure compliance and a smooth restaurant opening.