Does Bambu need to approve the construction documents before they are submitted for permitting?

According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Bambu requires approval of the construction documents before they are submitted for permitting. Bambu will provide consultation regarding your construction documents, which must be prepared by their designated architectural firm or another architect you select and Bambu approves.

This means that as a franchisee, you cannot proceed with submitting construction documents for permitting until Bambu has given their explicit approval. This requirement ensures that the construction aligns with Bambu's standards and specifications for the shoppe's design and layout. If any changes to the plans deviate materially from the initial kitchen workflow design and equipment specifications Bambu provides, they must also be approved.

The franchisee is responsible for covering the costs associated with architectural designs and mechanical drawings, including any modifications to plans provided by Bambu, as well as the overall construction expenses. This process is typical in franchising, where franchisors maintain brand consistency and operational standards through approval processes, while franchisees bear the financial responsibility for these elements.

Therefore, it is crucial for prospective Bambu franchisees to factor in the time required for Bambu's review and approval of construction documents into their overall project timeline. Additionally, franchisees should budget for potential revisions to the construction documents to meet Bambu's requirements, which could impact the project's cost.