To whom does Gold Star issue its specifications and standards?
Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
fications imposed on Franchisees based on its experience. Gold Star does not issue its specifications and standards to approved suppliers. Gold Star communicates its approved supplier lists and standards and specifications to you and other Franchisees in a variety of ways, including bulletins, catalogs, intranet and the Manual. Gold Star reserves the right to make revisions, deletions or additions to those standards, specifications and approved supplier lists. Gold Star may modify the list of approved items and/or suppliers, and you may not, after receipt of notice of modification, reorder any item, or order from any supplier, that is no longer approved. Franchisees are advised of modifications and revocations in writing.
Source: Item 8 — Restrictions on Sources of Products and Services (FDD pages 21–25)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Gold Star does not issue its specifications and standards to approved suppliers. Instead, Gold Star communicates its approved supplier lists, standards, and specifications to franchisees through various channels, including bulletins, catalogs, the company intranet, and the Manual. Gold Star retains the right to revise, delete, or add to these standards, specifications, and approved supplier lists. Franchisees are notified of these changes in writing and must comply with the updated requirements.
Prospective Gold Star franchisees should understand that they will receive specifications and standards directly from Gold Star rather than relying on suppliers for this information. This direct communication ensures that franchisees adhere to the most current standards and approved supplier lists. Franchisees must stay informed of any modifications or revocations to these standards, as they are obligated to comply with the latest updates.
This approach allows Gold Star to maintain consistency and quality across all franchise locations. By controlling the dissemination of standards and specifications, Gold Star can ensure that all franchisees operate according to the same guidelines. This is a common practice in franchising, where brand consistency is crucial for maintaining customer trust and recognition. Franchisees should be prepared to regularly review and implement any updates provided by Gold Star to remain compliant with the franchise agreement.
Furthermore, Gold Star does not make its criteria for supplier approval available to franchisees. If a franchisee wishes to use a supplier not currently on the approved list, they must submit a written request for approval, potentially incurring costs for inspections and testing. Gold Star has the right to re-inspect facilities and items and may revoke approval if standards are not maintained.