Is a Bambu franchisee authorized to act as an agent, employer, or partner of Bambu?

According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee operates as an independent contractor and is not authorized to act as an agent, partner, or employee of Bambu. The agreement explicitly states that no agency or partnership is created. The franchisee cannot bind Bambu to any obligations or represent themselves as anything other than an independent contractor. This reinforces the arms-length business relationship between Bambu and its franchisees.

As an independent contractor, the Bambu franchisee is responsible for all business operations, including recruiting, hiring, firing, and supervising employees and agents. These personnel are employees or agents of the franchisee, not of Bambu, and Bambu is not considered a joint employer. The franchisee has sole control over day-to-day operations, including determining compensation, terms of employment, safety regulations, work assignments, and schedules. Bambu may offer suggestions, but the franchisee has the discretion to utilize or disregard this information.

This independent contractor status has several implications for prospective franchisees. It means franchisees have significant autonomy in running their Bambu shoppe but also bear the full responsibility for its operational and financial performance. They must handle all employment-related matters and ensure compliance with relevant laws. Franchisees also indemnify Bambu against any claims arising from their activities or the actions of their employees and agents. This arrangement is typical in franchising, where franchisees are granted operational independence while adhering to the franchisor's brand standards and system.