If attendance is optional at a Gold Star training program, who pays the fee?
Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 2.4 Additional Training. The COMPANY may at its option make available, or require attendance at, refresher or other additional training programs as it deems appropriate. No fee shall be charged by the COMPANY for any such training program at which attendance of FRANCHISEE or any other representative of FRANCHISEE designated by the COMPANY is mandatory. FRANCHISEE must pay the COMPANY for attendance of any optional attendee at any mandatory program and for attendance of any attendee at any optional training program made available by the COMPANY the standard fee then charged by the COMPANY to other Restaurant franchisees for such programs.
- 2.5 Expenses. It is understood that FRANCHISEE shall receive no compensation or reimbursement for any services performed or expenses incurred by FRANCHISEE or any employee or other representative of FRANCHISEE during any training program and FRANCHISEE shall be responsible for all travel, lodging, meals and other related or incidental expenses incurred by FRANCHISEE, and FRANCHISEE's employees and representatives, in connection with any such program.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 53–163)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Gold Star Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are responsible for covering the costs associated with optional training programs. Specifically, if Gold Star makes available optional training programs, the franchisee must pay the company the standard fee for any attendee at these optional training programs. This fee is the same that Gold Star charges other restaurant franchisees for similar programs.
This means that if a franchisee chooses to send themselves, an employee, or any other representative to an optional training program offered by Gold Star, they will incur a fee for each attendee. This is in addition to the franchisee being responsible for all travel, lodging, meals, and other related expenses for themselves and their employees during any training program.
However, if Gold Star requires attendance at a refresher or other additional training programs, no fee will be charged for the franchisee or any representative designated by Gold Star to attend. But, if attendance is mandatory and the franchisee sends an optional attendee, the franchisee must pay the standard fee for that optional attendee.