What real estate requirements must a Gold Star franchisee meet to be eligible for renewal?

According to Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, to be eligible for renewal, a franchisee must comply with real estate and store-related requirements. Specifically, the franchisee must adhere to the standards set forth in Gold Star's manual and complete any required modernizations, renovations, repairs, and maintenance to the retail location. This includes ensuring that signs, furnishings, interior and exterior decor, fixtures, equipment, and structural changes meet Gold Star's standards.

Gold Star franchisees must maintain the interior and exterior of the store, including signs, furniture, and equipment, in a clean and attractive condition that is satisfactory to Gold Star and compliant with their design and appearance standards. This upkeep is at the franchisee's sole expense. Gold Star can also request a franchisee to refurbish the store at the franchisee's expense to conform to the current trade dress, color schemes, and presentation of the brand. This refurbishment may involve structural changes, new equipment, remodeling, and redecoration.

However, Gold Star will not require a full store refurbishment during certain periods. For newly constructed stores, this includes the period from the agreement date to the five-year anniversary of the store opening, and the year leading up to the initial term's expiration. For stores that were not newly constructed, this restriction applies from the agreement date to the one-year anniversary of the store opening, and the year before the initial term expires. These stipulations ensure that franchisees are not unduly burdened with major expenses close to the start or end of their initial franchise term, while still maintaining the brand's standards and image.