What is the typical duration of Gold Star's 'refresher' training programs?
Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Gold Star may at its option make available or require attendance of you and/or key employees at, refresher or other additional training programs as it deems appropriate. The location, duration and content of the programs will be as determined by Gold Star in its sole discretion. No fee will be charged by Gold Star for any of these additional training programs at which attendance of you or any of your employees or other representatives is designated by Gold Star as mandatory. You must pay Gold Star for attendance of any optional attendee at any mandatory program and for attendance of any attendee at any optional training program made available by Gold Star the standard fee then charged by Gold Star to other Franchisees for the programs. Gold Star did not charge a fee for these programs during the year ended December 31, 2024. You must pay all travel, lodging, meal and other related or incidental expenses you or your employees or other representatives incur in attending or otherwise regarding these programs.
Although Gold Star is not obligated to provide any additional training programs, Gold Star has offered additional "refresher" training programs each year, which usually are repeated for a total of 4 times per year in various regions and usually is of 2-4 (up to 8 hours) hours in duration. Past sessions usually have been conducted at a hotel or similar site located as centrally as practicable to other Franchisees in the region in which the program is offered. Past topics have included customer service, shift management, recruitment and selection, goal setting and team building, and past instructional materials and procedures have included video, group activities, handouts and manuals. Past programs have been conducted by the (Field Training Manager) Training Coordinator. Attendance at past programs has not been mandatory. There is no guarantee that future programs will be similar to past programs.
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 may offer or require refresher training programs. These programs usually occur four times per year in various regions and typically last for 2 to 4 hours, with some sessions extending up to 8 hours.
The FDD states that the location, duration, and content of these programs are determined by Gold Star at its discretion. Franchisees and key employees may be required to attend. Gold Star does not charge a fee for mandatory additional training programs. However, franchisees are responsible for travel, lodging, meals, and other related expenses for themselves and their employees attending these programs.
Past refresher training sessions have covered topics such as customer service, shift management, recruitment and selection, goal setting, and team building. Instructional materials have included videos, group activities, handouts, and manuals. The Field Training Manager or Training Coordinator typically conducts these sessions. Attendance at past programs has been optional, and the FDD notes that there is no guarantee that future programs will be similar to past programs. Prospective franchisees should confirm the current frequency, duration, content, and cost of refresher training with Gold Star.