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What are the specific obligations of a Bambu franchisee regarding site selection and lease acquisition as detailed in Item 9, and how do these relate to the franchisor's approval process mentioned in Item 12?

Bambu Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

nder no circumstances refundable to Franchisee, unless otherwise specifically set forth in this Agreement.

5. DEVELOPMENT OF FRANCHISED LOCATION

  • 5.1 Approval of Franchised Location. Franchisee shall locate, within 90 days after the date of execution of this Agreement, a Franchised Location which is suitable for the operation of the Bambū shoppe and have it accepted by Bambu, provided that Bambu may extend this deadline in the event that Franchisee is making a diligent effort in obtaining a Franchised Location, as determined by Bambu in its discretion. Franchisee shall seek Bambu's approval of any site proposed as a Franchised Location, by submitting such site submittal information, including the address, site plan, terms sheet, and demographics and other reasonable materials requested by Bambu. Franchisee acknowledges and agrees that Bambu's review and acceptance of a site and any information provided by Bambu regarding the site does not constitute a representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, as to the suitability of the site for a Bambū shoppe. If Bambu disapproves of any site proposed by Franchisee, Bambu will grant Franchisee an additional, reasonable period of time to obtain approval of a Franchised Location, as may be determined in Bambu's sole but reasonable business judgment.
  • 5.2 Approval of Site Acquisition or Lease. Bambu will provide Franchisee assistance with the negotiation and review of a letter of intent for the lease, and the lease, for the Franchised Location, as Bambu determines appropriate in its discretion. Bambu's assistance will include suggestions and recommendations concerning the terms and conditions of the letter of intent and lease provisions. It ultimately is the responsibility of Franchisee to negotiate and accept the final terms of the lease and related documents. Franchisee must obtain Bambu's prior written approval before executing any letter of intent or lease for the Franchised Location. If Franchisee leases the Franchised Location, Franchisee shall ensure that the lease for the Franchised Location contains a use clause approved by Bambu and signage criteria that provides for adequate branding of the Bambū shoppe. While Bambu's assistance may include recommendations to protect Franchisee under the terms of the lease, Franchisee acknowledges that Bambu's involvement in the negotiation or approval of a lease for the Franchised Location is primarily for Bambu's benefit only and does not constitute a recommendation, endorsement or guarantee by Bambu of the suitability or profitability of the location, the lease. Franchisee should take all steps necessary to

ascertain whether such location and lease are acceptable to Franchisee, which may include engaging its own legal counsel to review the letter of intent and lease. Franchisee shall deliver a copy of the signed lease for the Franchised Location to Bambu within 15 days of its execution. Franchisee shall notify Bambu when it takes possession of the Franchised Location.

5.3 Construction, Conversion and Design.

  • a. Once a lease is signed, Franchisee will need to obtain permits and begin construction of the shoppe as quickly as possible. Franchisee shall retain an architect and general contractor at or before the lease is signed. Franchisee must obtain Bambu's prior written consent of its architect and general contractor. Bambu will not withhold its approval of the architectural firm or general contractor provided they can demonstrate they have sufficient expertise in commercial retail design work to ensure that the plans, approvals and permits are obtained and overview of the project is accomplished. If Bambu does not approve Franchisee's designated architect or general contractor, Bambu may require that Franchisee engage an architectural firm or general contractor designated by Bambu.
  • 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. 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.

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees have specific obligations regarding site selection and lease acquisition. Within 90 days of signing the Franchise Agreement, the franchisee must find a location suitable for a Bambu store, subject to Bambu's approval. This deadline may be extended if the franchisee is diligently working to secure a location. The franchisee is responsible for submitting site information, including the address, site plan, lease terms, and demographic data, for Bambu's review. Bambu's approval of a site does not guarantee its suitability or profitability. If Bambu disapproves of a proposed site, the franchisee will be given additional time to find an acceptable location.

Bambu offers assistance with negotiating and reviewing the letter of intent and the lease for the location, including suggestions on terms and conditions. However, the franchisee is ultimately responsible for negotiating and accepting the final lease terms. Before executing any letter of intent or lease, the franchisee must obtain Bambu's written approval. The lease must include a use clause and signage criteria approved by Bambu to ensure adequate branding. While Bambu provides recommendations to protect the franchisee, its involvement in lease negotiations is primarily for its own benefit and does not guarantee the location's suitability or profitability. Franchisees are advised to seek independent legal counsel to review the lease.

Once a lease is signed, the franchisee is responsible for obtaining permits and beginning construction as quickly as possible. The franchisee must hire an architect and general contractor, both of whom require Bambu's prior written consent. Bambu will not withhold approval if the architect and contractor can demonstrate sufficient expertise in commercial retail design. If Bambu disapproves of the franchisee's choices, it may require the franchisee to use an architect or general contractor designated by Bambu. Bambu will assist with the kitchen workflow design, equipment specifications, and provide a style guide for finishes, colors, and materials. The franchisee must obtain Bambu's approval for the choice of colors and furniture. Final permit drawings and construction documents require Bambu's written consent before any construction, remodeling, or decorating begins, with all related costs being the franchisee's responsibility. Once Bambu approves the final plans, they cannot be changed without prior written approval.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.