What is a 'Drive-thru shoppe' according to the Bambu FDD?
Bambu Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
To use and to license others to use the Marks and Bambū system to establish restaurants similar to Bambū shoppes that service walkup and drive-thru customers but without indoor seating (a "Drive-thru shoppe"), at any location, including in your Protected Area and, if applicable, in your Development Area; provided that if we desire to open or permit someone else to open a Drive-thru shoppe in your Protected Area or Development Area, we will give you a right of first refusal to participate in the Drive-thru shoppe with either partial or whole ownership thereof;
Source: Item 12 — (FDD pages 38–40)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a "Drive-thru shoppe" is defined as a restaurant similar to a standard Bambu store that services walk-up and drive-thru customers but does not have indoor seating. Bambu retains the right to use and license others to use the Bambu marks and system to establish these Drive-thru shoppes at any location, including within a franchisee's Protected Area or Development Area.
This presents both an opportunity and a potential risk for franchisees. If Bambu decides to open or allow someone else to open a Drive-thru shoppe in a franchisee's Protected Area or Development Area, the franchisee has a right of first refusal to participate in the Drive-thru shoppe, either with partial or whole ownership. This could be a valuable opportunity for the franchisee to expand their business and increase revenue.
However, the fact that Bambu can establish Drive-thru shoppes within a franchisee's territory also poses a competitive risk. While the franchisee has a right of first refusal, they may not always be able or willing to take on the additional investment and operational responsibilities. If the franchisee declines, Bambu is free to establish the Drive-thru shoppe with another party, potentially drawing customers away from the existing franchise location.
Prospective franchisees should carefully consider the implications of Bambu's right to establish Drive-thru shoppes when evaluating the franchise opportunity. They should inquire about Bambu's plans for developing Drive-thru shoppes and assess their own capacity to take advantage of the right of first refusal should such an opportunity arise.