Does the Gold Star franchisee have to display the Marks in the manner prescribed by the Company on all signs?
Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
9. ADVERTISING.
9.1 Franchisee's Advertising; Approval by Company. All advertising by FRANCHISEE in any medium shall be conducted in a dignified manner, shall conform to such standards and requirements as the COMPANY may specify from time to time in the Manual or otherwise in writing, shall conform to all applicable laws and regulations relating to consumer advertising, shall be completely accurate and truthful, and shall give notice that the Store is independently owned and operated. FRANCHISEE shall participate in all promotions designated by the COMPANY for the market in which the Store is located and will be responsible for putting up in-store materials and the cost of Products being promoted. FRANCHISEE shall not enter into any agreement with any advertising agency without the prior written approval of the COMPANY, which may be withheld in the COMPANY's sole discretion. FRANCHISEE shall submit to the COMPANY (in accordance with Section 20 below), for the COMPANY's prior approval (except with respect to prices to be charged), samples of all advertising and promotional plans and materials, including signs, and all other materials displaying the Marks that FRANCHISEE desires to use and that have not been prepared or previously approved by the COMPANY. Unless FRANCHISEE receives a written objection from the COMPANY within fifteen (15) days after the effective date of FRANCHISEE's request, the COMPANY shall be deemed to have given the required approval. FRANCHISEE shall display the Marks in the manner prescribed by the COMPANY on all signs and all other advertising and promotional materials used in connection with the Store.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 53–163)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to display the Marks, which are the brand's trademarks and logos, in a manner prescribed by Gold Star on all signs and advertising materials used in connection with the store. This includes in-store materials for promotions. Franchisees must also submit all advertising and promotional plans and materials, including signs, to Gold Star for prior approval, except for prices to be charged. If a franchisee does not receive a written objection from Gold Star within 15 days of the request, the company is considered to have given approval.
Gold Star franchisees must obtain, display, and maintain a package of signs conforming to Gold Star's requirements at the franchisee's expense. These signs should be placed at or near the front of the retail location, describing the premises only as "Gold Star Chili" and include any other signs that Gold Star may require in the manual or in writing. Franchisees are prohibited from displaying any signs at the retail location, whether interior or exterior, that have not been approved by Gold Star for display in the manual or in writing.
These stipulations ensure brand consistency across all Gold Star locations, maintaining a uniform image and protecting the company's trademarks. This level of control is typical in franchising, allowing the franchisor to maintain quality and brand recognition. Franchisees benefit from the established brand but must adhere to the franchisor's guidelines in marketing and signage.