Are there specific quality controls that approved Gold Star suppliers must possess?
Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
FRANCHISEE shall purchase all food supplies, ingredients and equipment used to make Products (including Proprietary Products), any items used in the construction of the Retail Location or operation of the Business, or otherwise offered for sale or used in the Store and not required to be purchased from the COMPANY or its designees, solely from sources who demonstrate, to the continuing satisfaction of the COMPANY, the ability to meet the COMPANY's then current standards and specifications for such items, who possess adequate quality controls and capacity to supply FRANCHISEE's needs promptly and reliably, who have been approved in writing by the COMPANY as a source of such item prior to any purchases by FRANCHISEE from such supplier and who have not thereafter been disapproved. FRANCHISEE acknowledges that the COMPANY may from time to time receive rebates or discounts from such suppliers.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 53–163)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must purchase food supplies, ingredients, and equipment from approved sources. To become and remain an approved supplier, these sources must consistently meet Gold Star's standards and specifications.
Specifically, approved suppliers must demonstrate the ability to meet Gold Star's current standards and specifications for their items. They also need to have adequate quality controls in place. Furthermore, they must possess the capacity to promptly and reliably supply the franchisee's needs. Gold Star must provide written approval of the supplier before a franchisee can make any purchases from them.
Gold Star retains the right to inspect a supplier's facilities and request samples for testing and evaluation. The franchisee may have to cover the costs of these inspections and evaluations. Gold Star can also revoke approval if a supplier fails to continue meeting the company's criteria. These measures ensure that all supplies meet Gold Star's standards for quality and consistency.