Considering the business experience of Gold Star's executives (Item 2), what level of ongoing operational support and training can a franchisee expect (Item 11)?
Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Gold Star provides initial training programs for new Restaurant Franchisees and their initial key manager(s).
Gold Star schedules initial training programs periodically, depending upon the number of prospective Franchisee attendees and scheduled Restaurant openings. All mandatory trainees must attend and complete the program to Gold Star's satisfaction at least 3 weeks before the opening of your Restaurant or, if earlier, prior to the expiration of 6 months after the date on which you and Gold Star enter into the Franchise Agreement.
If Franchisee is an individual, or if Franchisee is a corporation or limited liability company, and such individual Franchisee or an owner of all or a portion of Franchise attends and successfully completes to Franchisor's satisfaction, the initial training program, then such individual Franchisee or owner shall be the only person who is required to complete the initial training; provided that, under such circumstances, Gold Star will nevertheless provide the initial training at its expense to one additional person if Franchisee so chooses. If such individual Franchisee or owner do not complete the initial training, then two (2) persons who have been designated by you as a Manager must attend and successfully complete to the Franchisor's satisfaction the initial training program. Space permitting, Gold Star will allow additional persons (who will be involved in Restaurant operations) to attend, but you must pay Gold Star the standard fee then charged other Franchisees by Gold Star for additional enrollees if more than two persons will be trained.
You are responsible for all travel, lodging, meals and other related or incidental expenses incurred by you or any of your Managers, employees, owners or other representatives attending, or otherwise regarding, the initial training program. You are not entitled to any compensation or reimbursement for any services performed by any attendee during the training program.
As of December 31, 2024, Gold Star's training is conducted by Gold Star staff, including our Vice President of Development and Operations. Our current Vice President of Development and Operations has held that role since January of 2023 and came to his position with 25 years of experience providing strategic business consultant services for another well-established franchisor.
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees can expect a defined level of operational support and training, particularly in the initial phases. Gold Star provides initial training programs for new restaurant franchisees and their key managers, with the training typically held at a designated restaurant site or an outsourced training company location. The initial training program generally lasts for three weeks, five days a week, and eight hours per day, but may be adjusted based on the trainee's prior restaurant experience. This training is conducted by Gold Star staff, including the Vice President of Development and Operations, who has 25 years of experience providing strategic business consultant services for another franchisor.
Before the franchised restaurant opens, Gold Star will conduct initial training programs and provide an initial training program for the restaurant's initial crew, usually during the week preceding the opening. A Gold Star representative will also be present at the retail location for a minimum of two business days and a maximum of two calendar weeks to train personnel and provide consultation. Furthermore, Gold Star will loan the franchisee one copy of the Gold Star Manual, which includes the Operations Manual and Management Manual.
The FDD mentions that Gold Star is not required to provide any assistance except as listed in Item 11. While the FDD details the initial support and training programs, it does not elaborate on the specifics of ongoing operational support and training that franchisees can expect after the restaurant opens. For a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing support, prospective franchisees should inquire directly with Gold Star about the nature and extent of continued operational assistance, refresher training programs, and any other resources available to support franchisees after the initial launch phase.