How often has Gold Star offered additional 'refresher' training programs in the past?
Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Although Gold Star is not obligated to provide any additional training programs, Gold Star has offered additional "refresher" training programs each year, which usually are repeated for a total of 4 times per year in various regions and usually is of 2-4 (up to 8 hours) hours in duration. Past sessions usually have been conducted at a hotel or similar site located as centrally as practicable to other Franchisees in the region in which the program is offered. Past topics have included customer service, shift management, recruitment and selection, goal setting and team building, and past instructional materials and procedures have included video, group activities, handouts and manuals. Past programs have been conducted by the (Field Training Manager) Training Coordinator. Attendance at past programs has not been mandatory. There is no guarantee that future programs will be similar to past programs.
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 26–36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Gold Star Franchise Disclosure Document, while Gold Star is not obligated to provide additional training programs, they have offered 'refresher' training programs each year. These programs are typically repeated four times per year in various regions and usually last for 2-4 hours, potentially up to 8 hours.
The refresher training sessions have been conducted at locations like hotels, chosen to be central for franchisees in the region. Topics covered in the past include customer service, shift management, recruitment and selection, goal setting, and team building. The training materials have included videos, group activities, handouts, and manuals, with the Field Training Manager or Training Coordinator leading the sessions.
Attendance at these past refresher programs has not been mandatory. However, the FDD indicates that there is no guarantee that future programs will be similar to past programs, so the frequency, content, and format of refresher training could change. As a prospective franchisee, it would be prudent to confirm the current status and planned schedule of refresher training programs with Gold Star to understand what ongoing support and development opportunities are available.