Can a franchisee develop advertising materials for their own Gold Star restaurant?
Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You may develop advertising materials for your own use, at your own cost; provided that, you must obtain Gold Star's prior written approval of these advertising materials.
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 26–36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are permitted to develop their own advertising materials for their Gold Star restaurant. However, this is conditional, as franchisees must obtain prior written approval from Gold Star for any advertising materials they create.
This requirement ensures that all advertising aligns with Gold Star's brand standards and marketing strategies. While franchisees have the freedom to create materials tailored to their local market, Gold Star retains control over the final product to maintain consistency and protect the brand's image. This is a common practice in franchising, where franchisors balance the need for local adaptation with the importance of brand uniformity.
It is important to note that franchisees are responsible for covering all costs associated with developing their own advertising materials. This includes design, production, and any other related expenses. Before investing in local advertising, prospective franchisees should carefully consider these costs and factor them into their overall budget. Additionally, franchisees should familiarize themselves with Gold Star's brand guidelines and approval process to ensure their materials meet the franchisor's standards and are approved in a timely manner.