Does Bambu have an obligation to select or acquire a location on behalf of the franchisee?
Bambu Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee shall not, without the prior written approval of Bambu, enter into any contract for the purchase or lease of any premises for use as a Bambū shoppe. Bambu will assist Franchisee in the selection and approval of locations for its shoppes in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Franchise Agreements. Franchisee acknowledges that Bambu has no obligation to select or acquire a location on behalf of Franchisee.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 52–209)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Bambu franchisees are responsible for selecting and acquiring their own locations. While Bambu will assist the franchisee in the selection and approval of locations, the FDD clearly states that Bambu has no obligation to select or acquire a location on behalf of the franchisee. This means the franchisee bears the primary responsibility for finding a suitable site that meets Bambu's criteria.
Bambu's assistance includes providing specifications for the franchised location, such as recommendations for space requirements, build-out guidelines, and demographic characteristics of the surrounding market area. Bambu also offers assistance with kitchen workflow design, equipment specifications, interior design guidance, and consultation on architectural plans. Furthermore, Bambu may assist with negotiating the letter of intent and the lease, ensuring an acceptable use clause and sufficient signage for branding.
However, the final decision on location selection rests with the franchisee, subject to Bambu's approval. This process involves the franchisee proposing a specific location within a designated area, which Bambu must then approve in writing. This approval process ensures that the location aligns with Bambu's brand standards and market strategy. The franchisee should be prepared to conduct thorough market research and present a well-justified location proposal to Bambu for consideration.
In summary, while Bambu provides support and guidance in the site selection process, the onus is on the franchisee to identify and secure a location. Franchisees should carefully consider the implications of this responsibility, including the time, effort, and potential costs involved in finding and acquiring a suitable site. Prospective franchisees should inquire about the specific criteria Bambu uses to evaluate potential locations and the level of support they can expect during the site selection process.