Is there a charge to the FRANCHISEE for the standard plans and specifications provided by Gold Star?
Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 4.6 Equipment, Vendor Lists. The COMPANY will additionally provide, at no cost to the FRANCHISEE:
- 4.6.1 a schedule of all equipment necessary to operate the Store; and
- 4.6.2 a list of approved sources for architectural services, supplies, equipment, furniture, advertising and marketing materials, computer software and hardware, and other items necessary for the operation of the Store.
- 4.7 Pre-Construction Requirements. Prior to commencing any construction on the Store, the FRANCHISEE will comply with all of the following requirements:
- 4.7.1 the FRANCHISEE will comply with all federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations, including the applicable provisions of the ADA, regarding the construction, design and operation of the Store.
- 4.7.2 the FRANCHISEE will be responsible for obtaining all zoning classifications and clearances that may be required by state or local laws, ordinances, regulations that may be necessary or advisable owing to any restrictive covenants at the Retail Location. After having obtained such approvals and clearances, the FRANCHISEE will submit to the COMPANY, for the COMPANY's approval, final plans for construction based on the preliminary plans and specifications. The COMPANY's review and approval of plans will be limited to review of such plans to assess compliance with the COMPANY's design standards for a typical Gold Star Chili restaurant, including such items as trade dress and presentation of the Marks. The COMPANY's review is not designed to assess compliance with federal, state or local laws and regulations, including the ADA, as compliance with such laws are the sole responsibility of the FRANCHISEE. Once approved by the COMPANY, the final plans may not then be changed or modified without the prior written permission of the COMPANY.
- 4.7.3 the FRANCHISEE will obtain all permits and certifications required for the lawful construction of the Store and operation of the Business and will
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 53–163)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Gold Star provides a schedule of all equipment necessary to operate the store and a list of approved sources for architectural services, supplies, equipment, furniture, advertising and marketing materials, computer software and hardware, and other items necessary for the operation of the store at no cost to the franchisee.
However, franchisees are responsible for obtaining all zoning classifications and clearances required by state or local laws. Franchisees must submit final construction plans based on preliminary plans and specifications to Gold Star for approval. Gold Star's review is limited to assessing compliance with the company's design standards, such as trade dress and presentation of the marks, and does not ensure compliance with federal, state, or local laws, which remain the franchisee's responsibility. Once approved, these plans cannot be altered without Gold Star's written permission.
While Gold Star provides initial plans and specifications without charge, franchisees should be aware of the costs associated with obtaining necessary permits, certifications, and legal compliance. Additionally, franchisees bear the expense of constructing, refurbishing, or altering the retail location according to Gold Star's approved plans and specifications. The contractor chosen by the franchisee must be reasonably satisfactory to Gold Star, which may participate in inspections.