What is the estimated total initial investment range for an inline Gold Star restaurant?
Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
YOUR ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT 1
| Type of Expenditure | Amount for Free Standing Building | Amount for Inline Space | Method of Payment | When Due | To Whom Payment Is To Be Made | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee2 | $10,000 to $50,000 | $10,000 to $50,000 | Cashier’s Check | At signing of the Franchise Agreement | Gold Star | |
| Real Property & Site work Costs | (See Note 1) | (See Note 1) | As Arranged | Before Opening | Lessor or Property Owner; Other Third Parties | |
| Furniture, Fixtures and | $109,100 to | $108,368 to | As Arranged | Before Opening | Approved | |
| Equipment3 | $305,379 | $220,000 | Suppliers | |||
| Building, Construction and Leasehold Improvements4 | $287,930 to $1,207,022 | $287,618 to $400,000 | (See Note 4) | (See Note 4) | (See Note 4) | |
| Utility Deposits | $1,000 to $3,000 | $1,000 to $3,000 | As Arranged | Before Opening | Suppliers and Utilities | |
| Architectural and | $14,000 to | $12,935 to | As Arranged | Before Opening | Approved | |
| Engineering Fees | $39,792 | $25,000 | Suppliers | |||
| Initial Inventory | $8,000 to $12,000 | $8,000 to $12,000 | As Arranged | Before Opening | Gold Star, Approved Suppliers | |
| Insurance | $1,000 to $3,000 | $1,000 to $3,000 | As Arranged | Before Beginning Operations | Insurance Companies |
| Type of Expenditure | Amount for Free Standing Building | Amount for Inline Space | Method of Payment | When Due | To Whom Payment Is To Be Made |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signs and Awning | $38,737 to $46,285 | $31,510 to $38,737 | As Arranged | Before Opening | Approved Contractors |
| Training5 | $5,500 to $10,000 | $5,500 to $10,000 | As Arranged | Before Opening | Employees, Miscellaneous Vendors |
| Licenses & Permits | $1,350 to $11,972 | $1,000 to $5,000 | As Arranged | Before Beginning Operations | Licensing Authorities |
| Legal & Accounting | $2,500 | $2,500 | As Arranged | Before Beginning Operations | Attorney, Accountant |
| Office Equipment and | $1,000 | $1,000 | As Arranged | Before Opening | Suppliers |
| Supplies | |||||
| Grand Opening | $10,000 | $10,000 | As Arranged | Within 3 months | Miscellaneous |
| Advertising6 | of Opening | Vendors | |||
| Additional Funds - 3 Months7 | $15,000 to $30,000 | $15,000 to $30,000 | As Arranged | As Incurred | Gold Star, Employees, Suppliers, Utilities, Insurers, Professionals, Etc. |
Source: Item 7 — Estimated Initial Investment (FDD pages 18–21)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated total initial investment for an inline space ranges from $496,432 to $809,237. This investment covers a variety of expenses, including the initial franchise fee, furniture, fixtures, equipment, building construction, leasehold improvements, utility deposits, architectural and engineering fees, initial inventory, insurance, signs and awnings, training, licenses and permits, legal and accounting costs, office equipment and supplies, grand opening advertising, and additional funds for the first three months of operation.
The initial franchise fee for Gold Star is between $10,000 and $50,000, which is paid at the signing of the Franchise Agreement. Building, construction, and leasehold improvements are estimated to cost between $287,618 and $400,000. Furniture, fixtures, and equipment are a significant expense, ranging from $108,368 to $220,000. Grand opening advertising costs a flat $10,000, and Gold Star requires franchisees to spend this amount within the first three months of opening.
Prospective franchisees should note that these figures are estimates and can vary based on factors such as location, real estate market values, and the franchisee's business decisions. The FDD advises carefully reviewing these figures with a business advisor before making a decision. Additionally, franchisees should consider the cost of real property and site work, as these costs are not included in the estimated initial investment and can vary significantly depending on the location and condition of the leased premises.