In what language must the arbitration proceedings be conducted for a Bambu franchise dispute?
Bambu Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
to commercial arbitration. The arbitrator shall be a resident of the State of Colorado, U.S.A. knowledgeable of Colorado law and fluent in English. The arbitration proceeding and all other hearings shall be conducted in English only, although Associate shall have the right, at Associate's option and sole expense, to have a translator present at the proceeding or other hearings.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 52–209)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if arbitration proceedings occur, they must be conducted in English. However, the Associate (which appears to be a party related to the franchisee) has the option to have a translator present at their own expense during the proceedings or other hearings. This ensures that while the official language of the arbitration is English, individuals who are not fluent can still understand the proceedings through a translator.
This requirement for English-only arbitration has practical implications for prospective franchisees, particularly those who are not native English speakers. While they can bring a translator, the cost of doing so falls on them. This could add a significant expense to the arbitration process. Franchisees should factor this potential cost into their assessment of the overall financial risks associated with the franchise.
It is important to note that the arbitrator selected in Colorado must be fluent in English. This further reinforces the importance of the English language in the arbitration process. Franchisees should consider the potential need for translation services and the associated costs when evaluating the franchise opportunity and negotiating the franchise agreement.