Are Gold Star franchisees required to purchase signs required by Gold Star?
Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
f some other individual serves as Store Manager then a Principal must, on a weekly basis, be present and actively participate in the day-to-day, on-premises supervision and operation of the Store for at least ten percent (10%) of the operating hours of the Store or the Manager must be an owner of at least a ten percent (10%) interest in FRANCHISEE.
- 5.3 Signage. FRANCHISEE shall obtain, display and maintain, at FRANCHISEE's expense, a package of signs conforming to the COMPANY's requirements (except to the extent modified with the approval of the COMPANY due to local legal restrictions), at, on or near the front of the Retail Location, describing the premises only as "Gold Star Chili" and such other signs, if any, as the COMPANY may require in the Manual or otherwise in writing. FRANCHISEE shall not place on display at the Retail Location (interior or exterior) any sign other than those that have been and continue to be approved by the COMPANY for display by FRANCHISEE in the Manual or otherwise in writing.
- 5.4 Hours of Operation. FRANCHISEE shall keep the Store open for such days and hours as the COMPANY shall reasonably require; provided, however, that nothing herein shall prevent FRANCHISEE from closing the Store to the extent required by local laws.
- 5.5 Staffing, Inventory.
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 obtain, display, and maintain a package of signs that conform to Gold Star's requirements. These signs must be placed at, on, or near the front of the retail location, and describe the premises as "Gold Star Chili." Additional signs may be required as specified in the manual or in writing by Gold Star. Franchisees are responsible for the expense of these signs.
Gold Star franchisees are not allowed to display any signs, interior or exterior, that have not been approved by Gold Star in the manual or in writing. This ensures that all signage aligns with the brand's standards and image.
Furthermore, franchisees are responsible for maintaining the signs in a clean and attractive condition, satisfactory to Gold Star, and in compliance with Gold Star's design, appearance, decor, and other standards. At Gold Star's request, franchisees must also refurbish the store, which may include the installation of new signs, to conform to the current trade dress and color schemes.