What documents are included in the 'Manual' provided to Gold Star franchisees?
Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 3.3 Compliance with Manual. The Manual includes, among other things, standards of operation (including menu content, recipes and presentation), standards of Restaurant management, operation, cleanliness and service, and standards concerning type, style and presentation of all food, beverages, furnishings, supplies, inventory, fixtures, interior and exterior decor and equipment used in connection with the Store. The Manual may be supplemented or changed (by reissuance, substitution, addition, deletion or other modification) by the COMPANY from time to time, by written bulletins, letters, notices, substitute pages, additional or revised manuals and other materials (all of which are included within the term "Manual"), and the FRANCHISEE shall at all times conform to the Manual as then in effect. FRANCHISEE shall be advised in writing of any change and shall have such reasonable time as the COMPANY deems necessary, from the date of such written notice, to implement fully any such change. The Manual, as presently constituted and as may be hereafter amended and supplemented by the COMPANY from time to time, is incorporated by reference herein and thereby made a part of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the COMPANY makes any amendment or supplement to the Manual requiring any refurbishment of the Retail Location which would reasonably be expected to
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 53–163)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Manual provided to franchisees includes several key components related to the operation of the franchise. Specifically, the Manual contains standards of operation, which cover menu content, recipes, and presentation guidelines. It also includes standards for restaurant management, operation, cleanliness, and service.
Furthermore, the Manual details standards concerning the type, style, and presentation of all food, beverages, furnishings, supplies, inventory, fixtures, interior and exterior decor, and equipment used in connection with the Gold Star store. Gold Star has the right to modify or supplement the manual at any time through written bulletins, letters, notices, substitute pages, additional or revised manuals and other materials.
It is critical for prospective franchisees to understand that they must adhere to the Manual as it may be updated. Franchisees will be advised in writing of any changes and will be given a reasonable time to implement them. The Manual, as it exists and as it may be amended, is incorporated by reference into the Franchise Agreement, making it a binding part of the agreement. However, any amendments requiring refurbishment of the Retail Location which would reasonably be expected to require FRANCHISEE to expend more than $5,000 in the aggregate, the COMPANY will not make such amendment or supplement to the Manual more than once in any 36 month period.