Does Bambu typically own and lease sites to its franchisees?
Bambu Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must select, lease or acquire the site for your Bambū shoppe. We do not typically own and lease sites to our franchisees. When you have selected a location for your shoppe you must submit information to us regarding the location so that we may accept or reject the site. Our assistance with the selection and approval of a location includes criteria for a satisfactory shoppe location and a determination as to whether the site fulfills the requisite criteria. The following factors are considered when we review a proposed site: location character; proximity to major roads; income levels; demographics; competition; shoppe demand; lease terms and rates or purchase terms; visibility; tenant mix; walk-by traffic; signage and parking availability. At your request we may, but are not obligated to, send our representative to your proposed location for on-site assessment prior to granting approval of a location. You must pay all travel, lodging and meal expenses of our employees related to the requested on-site assessment. You must find an acceptable site within 90 days of signing the Franchise Agreement unless we agree to grant you additional time, which we will consider granting if you provide evidence that you have made a diligent effort in obtaining a site. Additionally, if we disapprove of any proposed site, we will grant you an additional reasonable time to obtain
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, franchisees are responsible for selecting, leasing, or acquiring a site for their Bambu shop. Bambu does not typically own and lease sites to its franchisees. However, Bambu does provide site selection assistance, including criteria for a satisfactory shop location and a determination of whether the site fulfills the necessary criteria.
Bambu's assistance includes considering factors such as location character, proximity to major roads, income levels, demographics, competition, shop demand, lease terms and rates or purchase terms, visibility, tenant mix, walk-by traffic, signage, and parking availability. At the franchisee's request, Bambu may send a representative to the proposed location for an on-site assessment, but the franchisee must cover all associated travel, lodging, and meal expenses.
The franchisee is expected to find an acceptable site within 90 days of signing the Franchise Agreement, although Bambu may grant additional time if the franchisee demonstrates a diligent effort in securing a site. If Bambu disapproves of a proposed site, the franchisee will be given additional time to find another acceptable location.
Bambu also assists with the lease for the Franchised Location by helping with negotiations and preparation of the letter of intent (LOI), providing an acceptable use clause, ensuring sufficient Bambu branding through signage requirements, and negotiating relocation and other lease terms. However, Bambu's involvement in the lease negotiation and approval, as well as assistance with construction documents, does not guarantee the suitability or profitability of the location or lease.