What was Gold Star's reported Research and Development expense in 2023?

According to Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the company's research and development expenses for 2023 were $37,484. This figure reflects the costs Gold Star incurred for activities aimed at discovering new knowledge, creating new products or services, or improving existing ones. These expenses are typically related to innovation and staying competitive in the restaurant industry.

For a prospective franchisee, understanding the franchisor's investment in research and development is important. It indicates Gold Star's commitment to innovation, which can lead to improved menu items, more efficient operations, and enhanced customer experiences. This can translate into a stronger brand and potentially higher profitability for franchisees.

It's worth noting that Gold Star expenses these costs as they are incurred, a common accounting practice. This means the reported expense reflects the actual amount spent during the year, rather than being capitalized and amortized over a longer period. Reviewing these expenses over several years, as presented in the FDD, can provide insight into Gold Star's consistent investment in this area.