Can Gold Star designate appearance standards in the manual or in writing?
Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ms meet the System Standards. Such items and the suppliers thereof must satisfy the conditions applicable to approval under Section 7, below.
- 5.11 Upkeep of Store. FRANCHISEE shall, at its sole expense, repair and paint the interior and exterior of the Retail Location at reasonable times or upon the reasonable request of the COMPANY. FRANCHISEE shall, at its sole expense, at all times maintain the interior and exterior of the Store, the signs, furniture, fixtures and equipment therein contained, and the surrounding area in a clean and attractive condition satisfactory to the COMPANY and in compliance with the COMPANY's design, appearance, decor and other standards.
- 5.12 Refurbishment of Store. At the request of the COMPANY, FRANCHISEE will refurbish the Store at its own expense to conform to the trade dress, color schemes and presentation of the Marks in a manner consistent with the image then in effect for new Gold Star Chili restaurants under the System. Such refurbishment may include structural changes, installation of new equipment and signs, remodeling, redecoration, and modifications to existing improvements. FRANCHISEE will complete the refurbishing within the time period specified by the COMPANY pursuant to Section 3.3 hereof. FRANCHISEE acknowledges that the COMPANY cannot estimate the costs of refurbishment but any request by the COMPANY will be in its reasonable discretion.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 53–163)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Gold Star can prescribe appearance standards for its franchisees in the Manual or in writing. Gold Star franchisees must maintain the interior and exterior of their store in a clean and attractive condition that is satisfactory to Gold Star. This includes the store's signs, furniture, fixtures, equipment, and surrounding area. These standards must comply with Gold Star's design, appearance, decor, and other standards.
Gold Star franchisees must also obtain, display, and maintain a package of signs that conform to Gold Star's requirements. These signs must be located at, on, or near the front of the retail location, describing the premises only as "Gold Star Chili" unless other signs are required by Gold Star in the Manual or in writing. Franchisees are prohibited from displaying any signs at the retail location (interior or exterior) that have not been approved by Gold Star in the Manual or in writing.
Gold Star franchisees are also required to refurbish their store at their own expense to conform to the trade dress, color schemes, and presentation of the Marks in a manner consistent with the image then in effect for new Gold Star Chili restaurants. This refurbishment may include structural changes, installation of new equipment and signs, remodeling, redecoration, and modifications to existing improvements. Gold Star will specify the time period for completing the refurbishment, but cannot estimate the costs of refurbishment. However, Gold Star states that any request by the Company will be in its reasonable discretion.