Does Bambu have sole discretion regarding consultation, onboarding, and opening support?
Bambu Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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.)
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 28–38)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Bambu retains sole discretion over the provision of consultation, onboarding, and opening support to franchisees. Specifically, Bambu will provide this support "as scheduled and as needed, in our sole discretion." This means that while Bambu commits to offering these services, the timing, nature, and extent of the support are ultimately determined by Bambu.
This discretion extends to various aspects of the opening process. For example, Bambu will conduct a preassessment construction/remodeling review of the franchisee's shoppe and an owner orientation after the lease is signed. Furthermore, Bambu provides approximately seven and a half days for shoppe staff observation, guidance, and consultation on-site around the time the shoppe commences operation, including soft-opening support. However, if Bambu determines during its preassessment that the shoppe is not ready for training and soft opening, it can reschedule the training and charge the franchisee for any additional costs incurred, such as travel cancellation and other expenses.
For a prospective franchisee, this implies that the level of support received may vary. While Bambu commits to providing assistance, franchisees should be prepared to adapt to Bambu's schedule and requirements. It is crucial for franchisees to maintain open communication with Bambu and address any concerns promptly to ensure a smooth opening process. Understanding that Bambu has the final say in scheduling and assessing readiness is essential for managing expectations and avoiding potential additional costs associated with rescheduled training or delays.