Gold Star logo

Gold Star

Chili, burgers, sandwiches, salads, fries, shakes

Investment

$498,500

Initial Franchise Fee

$15,000 - $30,000

Units

70

Growth Rate

-7%

Overview About Investment Territories Support Operations Ranking History

Overview

Industry Food
Founded 1965
Franchising Since 1966
Parent Company GSR Brands
Leadership Samir Daoud, Franchise Director
# of Employees at HQ 24

Units and Growth Chart

Obfuscated data

Want to see the full picture? Log in to unlock premium data and detailed growth charts.

About Gold Star

Gold Star Chili is a family-owned business founded in 1965 by four brothers and their extended family who immigrated from Jordan to Cincinnati, Ohio. The brothers started Gold Star Chili with the hope of capturing the American dream of owning their own business. With over 60 franchises located throughout the United States and more opportunities to grow, the founders and their descendants may still be involved in running and working for the company. 

Gold Star Chili excels by offering unique, delicious food and quick, friendly service. Not only do they serve their famous chili, but they have since evolved to include culinary burgers and salads on their menu to cater to all of their guests. A streamlined menu, tableside service, and franchise support make Gold Star Chili a community favorite. 

Why You May Want to Start a Gold Star Chili Franchise

An ideal Gold Star Chili franchisee is someone who is enthusiastic, passionate, and driven. No previous restaurant experience is required, and the Gold Star Chili team provides in-store and classroom training to all franchisees. During the opening days and beyond, additional support is given, follow-up visits for the first, second, and third months of your opening days to make sure things are running smoothly. They may also answer any questions or concerns that arise with services from a calibration specialist. 

Gold Star Chili is a solid mix of quick-casual, full-service, and drive-thru options to accommodate customers who would like to eat in or eat on the go. Because of this, a Gold Star Chili location may best function in an area with both residential and commercial properties that has high traffic and accessible entrance and exit points. 

The Gold Star Chili team can help you find the optimal location for your franchise using demographic research. They also inform franchisees of future marketing efforts after opening day. The analytics team focuses on traffic data, social media usage, and geo-fencing to ensure your location is represented and recognized as part of the Gold Star Chili family. 

What Might Make a Gold Star Chili Franchise a Good Choice? 

Because of Gold Star Chili's good reputation and long existence in its market, becoming a franchisee may offer a more predictable outcome than investing in a completely new brand that may struggle to thrive in an already crowded and competitive industry.

To be part of the Gold Star Chili team, you should make sure you're financially ready for an initial investment made up of a franchise fee and other startup costs. In addition, you should prepare yourself for ongoing fees that will include advertising, royalty, and potential renewal fees. Franchisees will also need to meet the company's set net worth and liquid capital requirements.

How To Open a Gold Star Chili Franchise

As you decide if opening a Gold Star Chili franchise is the right move for you, make sure you take time to explore the opportunity. Research the brand and your local area to see if a Gold Star Chili franchise would do well in your community. While competition is healthy, too much of it may not allow for the most possible growth.

Before making any financial commitment or signing an agreement, you must perform your due diligence and establish if this is the right opportunity for you. As part of your due diligence, you may want to speak to existing franchisees and ask the Gold Star Chili franchising team questions.

Investment Details

Initial Franchise Fee $15,000 - $30,000
Initial Investment $498,500 - $1,006,000
Cash Requirement
ySJvl62l1CH2msVzCvw
Royalty Fee
6i
Ad Royalty Fee
xN
Term of Agreement
5m92fuY2
Is Franchise Term Renewable?
Rh7
Financing
WaHZVcKIkrf

Get complete financial details. Log in to unlock cash requirements, fees, and financing terms.

Available Territories

Franchising opportunities available in the following regions

United States

Want to see available territories? Log in to unlock territory availability and expansion opportunities.

Training & Support Programs

Comprehensive training and ongoing support to help you succeed

Training

On the Job Training
Ma6
Classroom Training
oqE

Ongoing Support

Purchasing Co-ops
Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security & Safety Procedures
Lease Negotiation
Field Operations
Site Selection
Franchisee Intranet Platform

Get complete training details. Log in to unlock training programs, support services, and marketing assistance.

Operations & Requirements

Key operational details and requirements for running this franchise

Is absentee ownership allowed?
dR
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit?
V7
Can this franchise be run part time?
3B
# of employees required to run
ykh
Are exclusive territories available?
BIU
Veterans program
522

View operational requirements. Log in to unlock ownership options, staffing needs, and territory details.

Ranking History

Gold Star performance in the Franchise rankings over recent years

No data available at this time.

Sign Up for Our Franchise Newsletter

Stay up to date on the latest news and trends affecting the franchise industry.

Related Franchise Content

Catch up on the latest franchise news, trends, and more.

Franchise

This is the One Question You Must Get Answered at a Franchise Discovery Day

Discovery Day is a critical step in the decision-making process that helps both parties move forward with confidence or decide not to proceed.

Franchise

How To Evaluate Franchisor Support Without Falling For The Sales Pitch

Franchise support is often sold as a promise, but experienced operators know it must be evaluated through systems, structure and consistency.

Franchise

What Smart Franchise Buyers Know Before They Ever Step Into Confirmation Day

With such a big decision on the line, you must be prepared to walk in to make the best possible decision for your future.

Franchise

What Two Adopted Puppies Taught Me About Breaking Through the Noise

One simple shift — from building a booth to creating a real emotional moment — turned passing foot traffic into meaningful conversations and lasting brand connections.

Franchise

Beware the Timing Trap — Is There Ever a Right Time to Start a Franchise?

Waiting for the "right" time to start a franchise often delays action, when success depends more on preparation and execution than perfect timing.

Franchise

How to Balance Passion and Practicality When Exploring a Business Opportunity

Passion can work for or against you in a business model. Your goal? Make it work for you.

See more franchise content
Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation of any particular franchise or business opportunity by Entrepreneur Media. Our listings and rankings are solely research tools you can use to compare opportunities. Entrepreneur stresses that you should always conduct your own independent investigation before investing in a franchise or business opportunity. That should include reviewing the company's legal documents, consulting with an attorney and an accountant, and talking to former and current franchisees/licensees/dealers.
Updated: December 12th, 2022