From whom must a Gold Star franchisee lease or purchase their Communication and Information System?
Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
7.8.2 FRANCHISEE will lease and/or purchase its Communication and Information System only from such vendor or vendors or supplier that the COMPANY has approved in writing pursuant to the provisions of Section 7.2 above and will pay any licensing or other fees required by vendors or suppliers, including without limitation, the COMPANY if the COMPANY is the approved supplier therefor. FRANCHISEE will not install, or permit to be installed, any devices, software or other programs not approved by the COMPANY for use with the Communication and Information System.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 53–163)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must lease or purchase their Communication and Information System only from a vendor or supplier that Gold Star has approved in writing. This includes the possibility of Gold Star itself being the approved supplier. The franchisee is also responsible for paying any licensing or other fees required by these approved vendors or suppliers.
This requirement ensures that all Gold Star locations use compatible and approved systems for managing their business and communicating with the company. It also allows Gold Star to maintain consistency and control over the technology used within its franchise network. The Communication and Information System includes a point of sale system, hardware, software, platforms for business management, reporting, and communication systems.
Furthermore, franchisees are prohibited from installing any unauthorized devices, software, or programs with the Communication and Information System. Gold Star may also develop or authorize proprietary software programs that franchisees may be required to purchase, license, and use. Franchisees must also sign any license, sublicense, or maintenance agreements required by Gold Star or any other approved licensor or supplier of proprietary software programs. This ensures that all franchisees are using the most up-to-date and secure systems, and that Gold Star can effectively manage and support its franchise network.