Does Gold Star review advertising materials submitted by franchisees for compliance?
Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
equipment, Restaurant fixtures, signs and other items, and similar factors.
Our Assistance to You. During the operation of the Franchise business, Gold Star will or may, as applicable, provide the following assistance to you:
- 1. Review all advertising and similar materials submitted by you for compliance with Gold Star's specifications and oversee, or oversee through a designee, all Brand Building Fund advertising including a local store marketing plan (Section 9.1 of the Franchise Agreement).
- 2. Conduct periodic inspections of your franchised Restaurant and provide evaluations of your operations at the franchised Restaurant (Sections 5.7 and 5.8 of the Franchise Agreement).
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, Gold Star does review advertising materials submitted by franchisees. Specifically, Gold Star will review all advertising and similar materials submitted by franchisees to ensure they comply with Gold Star's specifications. This is part of the assistance Gold Star provides to franchisees during the operation of the franchise business.
In addition to reviewing franchisee-submitted materials, Gold Star also oversees all Brand Building Fund advertising, including local store marketing plans. The Brand Building Fund is used for advertising and marketing activities to promote Gold Star's business, products, and services. Gold Star has complete discretion regarding the Brand Building Fund, including the creative concepts, materials, and media used.
Franchisees are allowed to develop their own advertising materials at their own cost, but they must obtain Gold Star's prior written approval. This ensures that all advertising aligns with the brand's standards and specifications. All franchisees must participate in the Brand Building Fund and any future advertising programs required by Gold Star, paying Brand Building Fees equal to up to 7% of weekly Gross Sales.