Who is responsible for travel, lodging, and meal expenses during Gold Star training programs?

According to Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for all expenses incurred during any training program. This includes travel, lodging, meals, and any other related or incidental costs for themselves, their employees, and representatives. Gold Star does not offer any compensation or reimbursement for services performed or expenses incurred during training programs.

This means that prospective Gold Star franchisees need to factor in these training-related expenses when budgeting for their initial investment and ongoing operational costs. These costs can vary depending on the location of the training, the number of people attending, and the duration of the training program. Franchisees should inquire about the typical costs associated with training to better prepare their financial projections.

This is a fairly standard practice in the franchise industry, where franchisees generally bear the costs of training their personnel. However, it's crucial for franchisees to understand the full scope of these expenses to avoid any unexpected financial burdens. Franchisees should also confirm whether there are any opportunities to reduce these costs, such as through online training modules or by utilizing existing staff who have already completed the training program.