Bambu Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Bambu is a dessert and drink franchise that specializes in Vietnamese-inspired chÔøΩ, boba tea, and smoothies, providing a unique and refreshing taste experience with a variety of flavors and toppings.

Bambu is a franchise that brings a unique flair to Asian-inspired beverages, specializing in Chè, boba teas, Vietnamese coffees, and exotic fruit smoothies and juices.

Established in 2009 by four Vietnamese sisters—Anh, Kelly, Jenny, and Julie—in San Jose, California, Bambu swiftly became a favorite in the Bay Area with its extensive menu of fresh, healthy, and authentic drinks, complemented by exceptionally friendly service.

The founders' dedication to providing an outstanding customer experience and serving distinctive, 100% vegetarian drinks "Just the way you love it" remains a fundamental aspect of the brand's ethos.

Bambu stands out in the bustling Asian beverage market with little to no direct competition, thanks to its unique focus on healthy drinks and freshly prepared Chè, meeting the rising consumer demand.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount (Low - High)
Initial Franchise Fee $39,000 - $39,000
Training Fee $10,000 - $10,000
Leasehold Improvements $35,000 - $145,000
Final Architectural Drawings, Permits, and Approvals $4,000 - $10,000
IT and POS Systems $2,500 - $2,500
Equipment, Fixtures and Furniture $28,000 - $70,000
Signage and Menu Board $5,000 - $8,000
Opening Inventory and Supplies $7,000 - $9,500
Security Deposits, Utility Deposits, Business Licenses, Insurance and Professional Fees $6,500 - $12,000
Opening Training Expenses $2,000 - $2,000
Initial Marketing Campaign $5,000 - $5,000
Additional Funds - 3 Months $15,000 - $15,000
TOTAL ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT $159,000 - $328,000

Franchise Disclosure Document

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Training 

The franchisor offers thorough training to ensure franchisees are fully prepared to run their Bambu shop efficiently. This training encompasses the following:

Certification Requirements: Franchisees must obtain food safety certification compliant with state and local health regulations. This certification is essential for the franchise location, and any related training costs are the franchisee's responsibility.

Mandatory Training Programs: Franchisees, their Bambu Certified Team Leaders, and other designated employees must attend and successfully complete various required training and certification courses. These may include online training and other ongoing development programs. The franchisor provides at least 30 days' notice for mandatory training sessions, which are limited to two sessions totaling no more than five days per calendar year.

Annual Convention: Franchisees or their designated owners must attend an annual convention for franchise owners. This convention is integral for continuous development and networking within the franchise system.

Additional Training: If necessary, the franchisor may require franchisees to participate in additional training tailored to their specific needs. All expenses for travel, lodging, and meals related to mandatory training programs and the annual convention are borne by the franchisee.

Territory Protection

The Bambu franchise agreement includes a form of territory protection through the designation of a "Protected Area." This ensures that Bambu will not establish or permit another entity to open and operate a Bambu shop within the geographic boundaries defined as the Protected Area in the franchise agreement.

Protected Area is clearly defined in the franchise agreement and may be delineated by various methods, such as a specific radius around the shop, zip code boundaries, or other geographic markers.

While the franchisee has a Protected Area, this does not grant exclusive rights to the customers within that area. The franchisee does not receive an exclusive territory, meaning they may still face competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, or other distribution channels or competitive brands controlled by Bambu.

Number of units

2025
Franchised units

61

69

60

Company-owned units

1

0

0

Total units

62

69

60

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