Does Bambu's approval of drawings guarantee the suitability or profitability of the location or design?
Bambu Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You are required to prepare final architectural drawings for our approval based on our standards and specifications. We must approve the drawings prepared by your selected architect submitting to us the final drawings of the layout and proposed improvements to the Franchised Location for our review and approval before those materials are submitted for permitting and construction begins. The approval by us of drawings, layout, or other construction documents related to the Franchised Location does not constitute a recommendation, endorsement or guarantee by us of the suitability or profitability of the location, layout, or design of your Franchised Location.
Source: Item 8 — Restrictions on Sources of Products and Services (FDD pages 22–26)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Bambu's approval of drawings, layout, or other construction documents does not guarantee the suitability or profitability of the location, layout, or design of the franchised location. The franchisee is responsible for the final terms of the lease documents.
Bambu assists franchisees with the kitchen workflow design, providing a style guide with recommended finishes, colors, materials, furniture, fixtures, counter, and décor. Franchisees must obtain Bambu's approval for their choices of colors and furniture. Bambu also provides a rough shoppe workflow layout and equipment schedule after the franchisee signs a letter of intent and the Franchise Agreement, given that Bambu receives sufficient information about the space. The franchisee must consult with Bambu and receive approval for the shoppe layout, equipment layout, mechanical drawings, and construction documents, which cannot be altered without prior written approval.
The franchisee bears the expense of constructing, converting, designing, decorating, and furnishing the franchised location according to the approved final plans and specifications. Franchisees must prepare final architectural drawings based on Bambu's standards and specifications for approval before submitting them for permitting and construction. If plans or construction are altered without Bambu's knowledge or prior written approval, Bambu may require the franchisee to conform the shoppe to the approved plans before opening to the public. Bambu may also require the franchisee to use a company to supervise the buildout if they believe the franchisee's architect or contractor lacks sufficient knowledge and experience.