Can the 'Manual' provided to Gold Star franchisees be amended or supplemented by Gold Star?
Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The Manual may be supplemented or changed (by reissuance, substitution, addition, deletion or other modification) by the COMPANY from time to time, by written bulletins, letters, notices, substitute pages, additional or revised manuals and other materials (all of which are included within the term "Manual"), and the FRANCHISEE shall at all times conform to the Manual as then in effect. FRANCHISEE shall be advised in writing of any change and shall have such reasonable time as the COMPANY deems necessary, from the date of such written notice, to implement fully any such change. The Manual, as presently constituted and as may be hereafter amended and supplemented by the COMPANY from time to time, is incorporated by reference herein and thereby made a part of this Agreement.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 53–163)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the company has the right to modify the Manual from time to time. These changes can come in the form of reissuance, substitution, addition, deletion, or other modifications through written bulletins, letters, notices, substitute pages, additional or revised manuals, and other materials. All these forms of updates are included within the term "Manual."
Gold Star franchisees are required to adhere to the Manual as it is in effect at any given time. The franchisee will receive written notification of any changes and will be given a reasonable amount of time, as determined by Gold Star, to implement these changes fully. The Manual, including all amendments and supplements, is incorporated by reference into the Franchise Agreement, making it a binding part of the agreement.
This means that Gold Star franchisees must stay informed about any updates to the Manual and make necessary adjustments to their restaurant operations. While franchisees will be notified in writing and given time to implement changes, the franchisor ultimately decides what constitutes a reasonable timeframe. Franchisees should factor in the potential costs and operational adjustments required to comply with these changes when evaluating the franchise opportunity. Franchisees should also be aware that failure to comply with the manual could be a breach of the franchise agreement.