What expertise should the architectural firm demonstrate to gain approval from Bambu?
Bambu Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Note 3: Final Architectural Drawings, Permits, and Approvals. You must prepare all final architectural drawings required by the jurisdiction where your shoppe is located and have signed approval by us based on our standards and specifications. This includes a full set of plans for permitting and approvals, which must be approved by us, the governmental authority that issues the permits and approvals for your jurisdiction, and your landlord. You will select the architectural firm to prepare your architectural drawings design, who must be approved by us. We will not withhold our approval of your architectural firm provided it can demonstrate it has sufficient expertise in commercial retail design work to ensure that the plans, approvals and permits are obtained, and overview of the project is accomplished. Once we approve the final plans, they cannot be changed without our prior written approval. If you change the plans or the construction of your Bambū shoppe without our knowledge or prior written approval, we may require your Bambū shoppe to conform to the approved plans before you can open your Bambū shoppe to the public.
Source: Item 7 — (FDD pages 18–22)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a prospective franchisee must select an architectural firm to prepare the architectural drawings for their shoppe's design. However, Bambu requires approval of the chosen firm. Bambu will grant approval to an architectural firm that demonstrates sufficient expertise in commercial retail design work. This expertise is necessary to ensure the firm can create plans that will be approved and that all required permits are obtained.
This requirement ensures that the architectural plans meet Bambu's standards and specifications, as well as the requirements of local governmental authorities and the landlord. The architectural drawings are a key part of the initial investment, with costs ranging from $4,000 to $10,000, as shown in the table outlining the estimated initial investment. These costs are paid to other suppliers and are incurred before opening the Bambu location.
Once the final plans are approved by Bambu, they cannot be altered without prior written consent from Bambu. If a franchisee changes the plans or the construction of their Bambu shoppe without approval, Bambu has the right to demand that the shoppe conform to the approved plans before opening to the public. This protects Bambu's brand standards and ensures consistency across all franchise locations.