Where will arbitration proceedings be conducted if Bambu is not a party to the dispute?
Bambu Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If Bambu is not a party to such controversy, dispute or claim, such arbitration proceedings shall be conducted within the area in which Franchisee's Bambū shoppe is based and will be heard by one arbitrator in accordance with the then current commercial arbitration rules of any arbitration group mutually acceptable to Franchisee and Associate, and if Franchisee and Associate cannot agree on an arbitration group within 30 days after demand for arbitration, then the AAA shall conduct such arbitration in accordance with its then current commercial arbitration rules.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 52–209)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if Bambu is not directly involved in a dispute between a franchisee and an associate, the arbitration proceedings will take place in the area where the franchisee's Bambu shop is located.
The arbitration will be overseen by a single arbitrator, following the commercial arbitration rules of an arbitration group that is acceptable to both the franchisee and the associate. If the franchisee and associate cannot agree on an arbitration group within 30 days after arbitration is demanded, the American Arbitration Association (AAA) will conduct the arbitration, adhering to its current commercial arbitration rules.
This arrangement ensures that disputes not directly involving Bambu are resolved locally, potentially reducing travel costs and logistical challenges for the franchisee. However, it also means the franchisee must be prepared to engage in arbitration within their local area and potentially negotiate the choice of arbitration group with the associate.