Can a Gold Star franchisee alter approved construction plans without Gold Star's written approval?
Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Once approved by the COMPANY, the final plans may not then be changed or modified without the prior written permission of the COMPANY.
The Store must conform to the appearance, quality, function, design, equipment, furnishing and supply standards of the COMPANY, and, once approved, may not be changed without the prior written approval of the COMPANY.
The Retail Location may be constructed, refurbished or altered only in accordance with plans and specifications approved in writing in advance by the COMPANY.
Once approved, the plans and specifications may not be altered or modified in any way without the prior written approval of the COMPANY.
The contractor chosen by FRANCHISEE to perform any construction, refurbishing or alteration must be reasonably satisfactory to the COMPANY, and the COMPANY shall have the right at its option to participate in any punchlist or other inspection.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 53–163)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, once the company approves the final construction plans for a Gold Star restaurant, the franchisee cannot change or modify those plans without obtaining prior written permission from Gold Star. This requirement ensures that all Gold Star restaurants adhere to the company's standards for appearance, quality, function, design, equipment, furnishing, and supply.
This means a prospective franchisee needs to be thorough during the initial planning and approval stages. Any desired changes after approval will require a formal request and Gold Star's written consent, which may or may not be granted. This also extends to any refurbishment or alterations to the Retail Location, which must be done according to plans and specifications approved in writing by Gold Star in advance.
Furthermore, the contractor chosen by the franchisee for any construction, refurbishing, or alteration work must be reasonably satisfactory to Gold Star. Gold Star also retains the right to participate in any punchlist or other inspections during the construction or alteration process. These stipulations are in place to maintain uniformity and quality across all Gold Star locations, protecting the brand's image and customer experience.
In summary, a Gold Star franchisee has limited autonomy when it comes to altering approved construction plans. The franchisee must adhere strictly to the approved plans and specifications, and any deviations require prior written approval from Gold Star. This is a common practice in franchising, where maintaining brand consistency is a priority.