What information regarding suppliers does Bambu provide to franchisees?
Bambu Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
After execution of this Agreement, Bambu will provide Franchisee with a list of approved Suppliers, if any, of such equipment, items, materials, inventory and programs and, if available, a description of any regional or central purchase and supply agreements offered by such approved Suppliers for the benefit of Bambū franchisees.
The list of approved Suppliers may vary depending on Franchisee's Franchised Location within Bambu's distribution network.
Franchisee expressly authorizes Bambu and its approved Suppliers to contact Franchisee and any Bambū Certified Team Leader by e-mail, telephone, mail, or any other means related to any aspect of the Bambū shoppe, authorized products, services and programs, this Agreement, or the Bambū franchise system, for so long as this Agreement remains in effect.
Franchisee expressly authorizes Bambu to disclose Franchisee's and all Bambū Certified Team Leader's contact information to Bambu's approved and designated Suppliers to enable such Suppliers to contact Franchisee.
Franchisee shall purchase all products, equipment, materials, supplies and programs required for the operation of the Bambū shoppe from Bambu, from Bambu's designated affiliates, or from Suppliers designated or approved by Bambu.
If there is no designated or approved Supplier for a particular product, piece of equipment, ingredient, food item, supply, material or program, Franchisee shall propose, for prior written approval by Bambu, such other suppliers who meet all of Bambu's specifications and standards as to quality, composition, finish, appearance and service, and who shall adequately demonstrate their capacity and ability to supply Franchisee's needs in the quantities, at the times, and with the reliability requisite to an efficient operation of the Bambū shoppe.
Bambu reserves the right to derive revenue from Franchisee's purchases of food items, products or programs, whether the purchase is from Bambu, Bambu's affiliate or another designated or approved source and irrespective of whether a formal purchase or buying arrangement has been established.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 52–209)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Bambu will provide franchisees with a list of approved suppliers for equipment, items, materials, inventory, and programs after the Franchise Agreement is executed. This list may vary depending on the franchisee's location within Bambu's distribution network. The FDD also states that Bambu and its approved suppliers are authorized to contact the franchisee and any Bambu Certified Team Leader by e-mail, telephone, mail, or any other means related to any aspect of the Bambu shoppe, authorized products, services, and programs. Bambu is also authorized to disclose the franchisee's and all Bambu Certified Team Leader's contact information to Bambu's approved and designated Suppliers to enable such Suppliers to contact the franchisee.
Franchisees are required to purchase all products, equipment, materials, supplies, and programs from Bambu, its designated affiliates, or suppliers designated or approved by Bambu. If there is no designated or approved supplier for a particular item, the franchisee must propose other suppliers who meet Bambu's specifications and standards for prior written approval. Bambu retains the right to derive revenue from franchisee purchases, regardless of whether the purchase is from Bambu, an affiliate, or another approved source.
This arrangement ensures that Bambu franchisees maintain consistent quality and standards across all locations by using approved suppliers. However, it also means franchisees have limited autonomy in sourcing products and supplies, potentially impacting their ability to negotiate better prices or use local suppliers. Prospective franchisees should inquire about the criteria for supplier approval, the process for proposing new suppliers, and whether there are any restrictions on the types of products that must be purchased from approved suppliers.