Is an exhaust hood always required for a Bambu shoppe?
Bambu Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Note 5: Equipment, Fixtures and Furniture. This item includes the estimated costs to obtain the required furniture, finishes, counter, decor and kitchen equipment for a shoppe, including: 200-250 cu. ft. of refrigeration and freezer storage, a 650 lb. capacity ice machine(s), cooking equipment, exhaust hood (if
required), grease interceptor, worktables, sinks, shelving and smallwares. This estimate does not include state or local taxes. The lower range in the chart assumes that you are equipping the shoppe with used and/or leased equipment. You are required to obtain our approval of your choice of colors and furniture. We will provide you with an Interior Design Guide.
Source: Item 7 — (FDD pages 18–22)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, an exhaust hood is not always required for a Bambu location. The need for an exhaust hood depends on the specific cooking equipment used at the shoppe. Item 7, concerning the estimated initial investment, includes costs for equipment, fixtures, and furniture, with a note specifying that the estimate includes the cost of an exhaust hood "if required."
This means that whether or not you need to factor in the cost of an exhaust hood into your initial investment will depend on the equipment you plan to use in your Bambu franchise. The estimated initial investment for equipment, fixtures, and furniture ranges from $28,000 to $70,000. This range accounts for the possibility of needing to purchase an exhaust hood, as well as the option of using new, used, or leased equipment to potentially lower costs.
Prospective franchisees should confirm with Bambu during the planning phase whether their chosen equipment necessitates an exhaust hood to accurately estimate their initial investment. This requirement will also influence the final architectural drawings and permit approvals, as these must adhere to Bambu's standards and specifications, as well as local jurisdictional requirements.