BAMBU
Bambu Franchising LLC offers franchises for operating Bambū shoppes, fast-casual venues specializing in authentic Vietnamese dessert drinks (Chè), Vietnamese-style coffee (Cà Phê), blended yogurts (Yonami), Asian-inspired teas including bubble tea, real fruit smoothies (Sinh Tố), and complementary items like mochi waffles and snacks, prepared with proprietary recipes and fresh ingredients. The business model involves franchising the use of the Bambū system, marks, and operational standards in leased spaces like malls or strip centers, with options for single or multi-unit development. The target market is the general public, particularly younger demographics aged 15-40, in a competitive market for specialty beverages.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
3.5% royalty + $550/mo marketing and technology fee
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
This franchise did not provide Item 19 financial performance data.
Be careful if you are interested in investing. The lack of financial performance representations may indicate limited data or varying results across franchises.
Extracted Item 19 Section
How BAMBU Compares to Other Beverages Franchises
Key Insights
- One of the lowest investment costs in Beverages (ranked #2 of 20)
- Top 10 largest franchise system in Beverages
- Lower than average SBA loan default rate in Beverages
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
BAMBU Current | $159K - $328K | $49K | 3.5% | 60 |
| KUNG FU TEA | $169K - $378K | $37K | 4.0% | 385 |
| SHARETEA | $225K - $555K | $12K | 6.0% | 153 |
| DING TEA | $195K - $324K | $30K | N/A | 120 |
| FiiZ Drinks | $250K - $775K | $40K | 8.0% | 63 |
| TIGER SUGAR | $306K - $542K | $85K | 7.0% | 47 |
Beverages Average 20 franchises | $281K - $629K | $40K | 5.2% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 20 Beverages franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2024)
Outlets by state across the United States
+14 more states
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for BAMBU franchisees (2017 - 2025)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
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Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
Exclusive territory dispute initiated by a franchisee, with franchisor counterclaim for unauthorized closure of a shoppe and termination of the franchise agreement.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
Director of Franchise Services Willy Mathew filed Chapter 13 jointly with wife on January 30, 2015; dismissed August 8, 2019.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a BAMBU franchise?
The total initial investment to open a BAMBU franchise ranges from $159,000 to $328,000. This includes a franchise fee of $49,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 3.5% of gross sales.
How many BAMBU franchise locations are there?
As of the 2025 FDD, BAMBU has 60 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 2014.
Can you get an SBA loan for a BAMBU franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for BAMBU franchises. Historical data shows 15 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for BAMBU franchisees, with an average loan amount of $179,007. The historical default rate is 6.7%.
Is BAMBU a good franchise to buy?
BAMBU shows several positive indicators: low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
Interested in BAMBU?
Talk to a franchise advisor to get personalized guidance and learn if BAMBU is the right fit for you.
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