How does the pre-opening assistance provided by Bambu in Item 11 relate to the franchisee's responsibility for leasehold improvements as estimated in Item 7?
Bambu Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
[Item 11: Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training]
Provide consultation, onboarding, and opening support as scheduled and as needed, in our sole discretion.
There will be scheduled a preassessment construction/remodeling review of your shoppe and an owner orientation, conducted after you sign your lease.
Approximately two days will be an owners training at a designated Bambū shoppe location conducted before your opening training is scheduled.
Approximately one day will involve a shoppe pre-opening assessment.
If we determine during our preassessment that the shoppe is not prepared for training and soft opening, we will reschedule the remainder of the training and charge for the additional costs incurred for travel cancellation and other additional expenses incurred by us.
Approximately seven and a half days for shoppe staff observation, guidance and consultation on-site at your shoppe at or around the time your shoppe commences operation, with soft-opening support. (Sections 6.2 and 7.1.a of the Franchise Agreement.)
- b.
Bambu will assist Franchisee in the development of a required kitchen workflow design and layout, including the specific equipment specifications required for use in Franchisee's shoppe.
Bambu will also provide a style guide of recommended finishes and colors, materials, furniture, fixtures, counter and décor for Franchisee to use in designing the layout for the Franchised Location.
Franchisee shall obtain Bambu's prior written approval of choice of colors and furniture.
Franchisee shall then be responsible for engaging the approved local architect to prepare final permit drawings, including the shoppe floor plan, equipment layout and mechanical drawings or other construction documents necessary for construction of the Bambū shoppe.
Franchise shall consult with Bambu regarding the construction documents as it deems appropriate in its discretion, and shall obtain Bambu's written consent to any conversion, improvements, design, or decoration of the premises before construction, remodeling or decorating begins, recognizing that any related costs are Franchisee's sole responsibility.
Once Bambu approves the final plans, they cannot be changed without its prior written approval.
Once Bambu approves the final plans, they cannot be changed without its prior written approval.
Bambu may require Franchisee to use the services of a company that will supervise the buildout of its Bambū shoppe if, in Bambu's sole discretion, Bambu determine that the architect or contractor that Franchisee intends to use has insufficient knowledge and experience to build a Bambū shoppe.
If Franchisee changes the plans or the construction of its Bambū shoppe without Bambu's knowledge or without prior written approval, Bambu may require Franchisee to conform its Bambū shoppe to the approved plans before Franchisee can open its Bambū shoppe to the public.
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Item 11 outlines the pre-opening assistance Bambu provides, which directly relates to the franchisee's responsibility for leasehold improvements. Bambu offers consultation, onboarding, and opening support, including a preassessment construction/remodeling review after the lease is signed. This review is crucial because if Bambu determines the location isn't ready for training and the soft opening, the training will be rescheduled, and the franchisee will incur additional costs for travel cancellation and other expenses.
Bambu also assists with the kitchen workflow design and layout, providing specific equipment specifications and a style guide for finishes, colors, materials, furniture, and décor. However, the franchisee is responsible for engaging an approved local architect to prepare final permit drawings, including the floor plan, equipment layout, and mechanical drawings. Bambu must provide written consent to any conversion, improvements, design, or decoration of the premises before construction begins, and all related costs are the franchisee's sole responsibility.
This process ensures that the franchisee adheres to Bambu's standards and specifications during the build-out, which directly impacts the leasehold improvements. The franchisee must obtain Bambu's approval for the architect and general contractor and consult with Bambu regarding the construction documents. If the franchisee changes the plans without Bambu's approval, Bambu can require the franchisee to conform the shoppe to the approved plans before opening to the public. This oversight helps to manage the costs estimated in Item 7 by preventing unapproved changes or deviations that could lead to increased expenses.