Must a Bambu franchisee use a real estate broker provided by Bambu?
Bambu Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Assist you in locating the site for your shoppe by providing you with criteria for an acceptable site, by engaging on your behalf, or working with, a local real estate broker of your choosing or one provided by us, and by approving or disapproving your proposed site. You must use your best efforts to locate and obtain our approval of the Franchised Location within 90 days of signing the Franchise Agreement. You must open your shoppe within one year after signing the Franchise Agreement. However, we may agree, in our sole discretion, to an extension of these deadlines upon a showing that you are making a diligent effort in obtaining a Franchised Location and opening the shoppe. If you fail to open your shoppe within one year, in our sole discretion, you may be required to pay us the monthly Royalty Fee and Marketing and Technology Fee. No contractual limit exists on the time it takes us to approve or disapprove your proposed location. However, we typically take no more than 10 business days to approve or disapprove your proposed location, and we may extend the deadline for opening your shoppe when circumstances beyond your reasonable control delay the site selection and approval process. (Sections 5.1, 5.8 and 7.1.b of the Franchise Agreement; Section 3.3 of the MUD Agreement.)
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 28–38)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are not required to use a real estate broker provided by Bambu. Bambu will assist franchisees in locating a site for their shoppe by providing criteria for an acceptable site. This assistance includes engaging on the franchisee's behalf, or working with, a local real estate broker of the franchisee's choosing or one provided by Bambu. Ultimately, Bambu retains the right to approve or disapprove the proposed site.
Franchisees are responsible for finding an acceptable site within 90 days of signing the Franchise Agreement, though Bambu may grant additional time if the franchisee demonstrates diligent effort in securing a location. If a proposed site is disapproved, Bambu will allow additional time to find a different site. Failure to secure an approved site within the specified timeframe may result in termination of the Franchise Agreement.
Bambu also assists with the lease for the Franchised Location, including negotiations, preparation of the Letter of Intent (LOI), ensuring an acceptable use clause, verifying sufficient Bambu branding through signage, and negotiating relocation terms. Bambu must approve both the LOI and the lease before execution. While Bambu provides assistance and consultation regarding the lease and construction documents, this does not constitute a guarantee of the location's suitability or profitability, and franchisees must take additional steps to ensure the location and lease are acceptable to them.