What is the meaning of 'Bambū shoppe' in the Bambu Franchise Agreement?

According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a "Bambū shoppe" or "shoppe" is defined as a fast-casual beverage business that features freshly made Vietnamese dessert drinks (Chè), Vietnamese style coffee drinks (Cà Phê), Vietnamese style blended yogurts (Yonami), Asian-inspired teas (including Taiwanese bubble tea), and real fruit smoothies (Sinh Tố). These beverages include freshly made tapioca boba, house-prepared proprietary ingredients, and a wide variety of drink toppings, along with mochi waffles and other complementary snack, food, and dessert items. The Bambu shoppe operates using the mark "BAMBŪ® " and related service marks, trade names, and trademarks, as well as Bambu's proprietary methods of conducting business, collectively known as the "Bambū system."

This definition is crucial for prospective franchisees as it outlines the core products and services they are authorized to offer. Franchisees are required to adhere to Bambu's standards and specifications for these offerings. They are also restricted from selling any products or services that have not been previously approved by Bambu in writing. This ensures consistency across all franchised locations and maintains the brand's identity.

The Franchise Agreement emphasizes that franchisees must operate their Bambū shoppe in accordance with the methods and systems developed and prescribed by Bambu. This includes utilizing the Marks and Bambū system in all aspects of the business. If the franchisee is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other entity, they are prohibited from engaging in any business other than the operation of a Bambū shoppe. This restriction ensures that the franchisee's focus remains solely on the Bambu business, preventing any conflicts of interest or dilution of effort.

Bambu also reserves the right to use and license others to use the Marks and Bambū system to establish different types of shoppes, such as Drive-Thru shoppes (without indoor seating) and shoppes at Institutional Facilities (outlets within captive facilities like parks, stadiums, or airports). This reservation of rights allows Bambu to expand its brand presence through various channels and locations, potentially impacting the franchisee's market. However, in the case of Drive-Thru shoppes within the franchisee's Development Area, Bambu will offer the franchisee a right of first refusal to participate in the Drive-Thru shoppe with either partial or whole ownership.