What is a Bambu franchisee's responsibility regarding becoming familiar with all applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations?

According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are solely responsible for understanding and adhering to all relevant laws, ordinances, and regulations. This includes identifying the necessary actions to ensure compliance. Bambu is not obligated to inform franchisees about any legislative or legal changes that could impact their Bambu location. Any information Bambu provides regarding laws and regulations does not alleviate the franchisee's responsibility to seek legal counsel and take appropriate steps to comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

This means that before opening a Bambu franchise, prospective franchisees must conduct thorough research to understand all local, state, and federal laws that govern their business operations. This includes zoning laws, health codes, labor laws, and any other regulations specific to the location of their store. Franchisees should consult with legal and business professionals to ensure they fully understand their obligations and take the necessary steps to comply.

The responsibility for compliance extends to all aspects of the Bambu shoppe, including signage. Franchisees must ensure that all signs comply with local ordinances, lease covenants, mall regulations, building codes, and zoning regulations. Any modifications to Bambu's signage standards required by local regulations must be submitted to Bambu for prior written approval. Franchisees are also responsible for any penalties or fines resulting from failure to comply with laws and regulations.

Overall, the FDD makes it clear that Bambu franchisees operate independently and are fully accountable for legal compliance. This is a standard practice in franchising, where franchisees are typically responsible for the day-to-day operations of their business and must ensure they meet all legal requirements.