Who is responsible for preparing architectural designs and ensuring compliance with laws for a Bambu franchise?

According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is solely responsible for preparing all required architectural designs, mechanical drawings, site plans, blueprints, and construction plans to suit the dimensions of the franchised location. This also includes ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and codes, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, and any lease or purchase agreement. This responsibility extends to ensuring that all signage complies with local ordinances, lease covenants, mall regulations, building codes, and zoning regulations. Any modifications to Bambu's signage standards due to local requirements must be submitted to Bambu for prior written approval. Franchisee is also responsible for obtaining all necessary licenses to operate the Bambu shoppe and must comply with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances.

Bambu will assist the franchisee in developing a kitchen workflow design and layout, including equipment specifications, and will provide a style guide for finishes, colors, materials, furniture, fixtures, counter, and décor. The franchisee must obtain Bambu's prior written approval for the choice of colors and furniture. The franchisee is then responsible for engaging an approved local architect to prepare final permit drawings, including the shoppe floor plan, equipment layout, and mechanical drawings or other construction documents necessary for the construction of the Bambu shoppe. Bambu must provide written consent to any conversion, improvements, design, or decoration of the premises before construction, remodeling, or decorating begins.

While Bambu offers assistance with the design and layout of the franchised location and provides recommendations, the franchisee acknowledges that Bambu's approval of any drawing, layout, or other construction document does not constitute a recommendation, endorsement, or guarantee of the suitability or profitability of the location, layout, or design of the Bambu shoppe. The franchisee is also responsible for promptly forwarding copies of all health department, fire department, and building department inspection reports to Bambu and notifying Bambu of any legal or regulatory issues related to the shoppe. Ultimately, the franchisee bears the responsibility for the successful operation of their Bambu shoppe and must ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.