Is Bambu obligated to send a representative for on-site assessment of a proposed location?

According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Bambu is not obligated to send a representative to a proposed location for on-site assessment. While Bambu offers assistance with site selection, the FDD specifies that at the franchisee's request, Bambu may, but is not required to, send a representative for an on-site assessment.

If a franchisee requests an on-site assessment and Bambu agrees to provide one, the franchisee is responsible for covering all travel, lodging, and meal expenses incurred by Bambu's employees in connection with the assessment. This means that the franchisee will bear the financial burden of the site visit, which could include airfare, hotel costs, and per diem expenses for the representative.

This policy is fairly common in the franchise industry, as franchisors often provide site selection assistance but do not guarantee an in-person visit. The ultimate decision on location approval rests with Bambu, and they will consider factors such as location character, proximity to major roads, income levels, demographics, competition, shoppe demand, lease terms and rates, visibility, tenant mix, walk-by traffic, signage, and parking availability. Franchisees should carefully weigh the potential benefits of an on-site assessment against the costs involved and factor this into their overall budget and due diligence process.