Can Bambu designate a single approved supplier for items used in the Bambu shoppe?
Bambu Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In order to maintain the quality and uniformity of Bambū shoppe products and certain of the programs you offer, you must purchase all products including raw and prepared ingredients, food items, shoppe supplies, and programs offered, used, sold or leased through your Bambū shoppe or otherwise required for the operation of your Bambū shoppe from suppliers or distributors designated or approved by us. We reserve the right to designate a single approved supplier or distributor, including us or our affiliates, for any of these items or other items. In particular, we currently have designated suppliers and distributors for our proprietary jellies, powders, syrups, coffee, tea, designated food and beverage products, and other proprietary food items as well as logoed cups and other branded material that we may develop from time to time ("Proprietary Items"). The designated supplier or distributor may vary depending on the location of your business. Currently, neither we nor any of our affiliates are a designated single approved supplier of any items offered, used, sold or leased by our franchisees, although we facilitate the ordering and payment with one of our designated suppliers. Further, no officer of ours owns any interest in any of our approved or designated suppliers or distributors. We reserve the right to change any designated supplier or change, reduce or add to the list of items subject to designated supplier arrangements. You must execute any agreement as may be reasonably required by a designated supplier or distributor and establish the appropriate credit terms with it.
On or before commencement of the onsite portion of the Training Program, we will make available to you a list of our approved suppliers, the standards and specifications for items to be used, sold or leased by you through your Bambū shoppe. The list of approved suppliers that will apply for your Bambū shoppe will vary depending on your Franchised Location within our national distribution network.
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 retains the right to designate a single approved supplier or distributor for any items used in the Bambu shoppe. This includes raw and prepared ingredients, food items, shoppe supplies, and programs offered. Currently, Bambu has designated suppliers for proprietary items like jellies, powders, syrups, coffee, tea, specific food and beverage products, logoed cups, and other branded materials. The designated supplier may vary depending on the location of the franchisee's business.
Currently, neither Bambu nor its affiliates are designated as the single approved supplier for any items. However, Bambu facilitates the ordering and payment process with one of its designated suppliers. Bambu also reserves the right to change any designated supplier or modify the list of items subject to these arrangements. Franchisees are required to execute any agreements reasonably required by a designated supplier or distributor and establish appropriate credit terms with them.
Before the onsite portion of the Training Program, Bambu will provide a list of approved suppliers and the standards and specifications for items used, sold, or leased by the franchisee. The list of approved suppliers may vary depending on the franchised location within Bambu's national distribution network. This system ensures uniformity and quality control across all Bambu locations, but it also means franchisees have limited choice in sourcing products and must adhere to Bambu's approved suppliers.