Food & Beverage

Bambū brings Vietnamese Chè to the masses

Bambū has a line of Vietnamese Chè and other drinks that are proving popular with the masses. Scott Bachman, chief operating officer, shares insight on what sets his brand apart and how it plans to expand inside the U.S. and out.

Provided

November 22, 2021 by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Chè is a unique drink concept, and Bambū is one of a few franchises making it happen in the U.S. The drink, first made popular in the Vietnamese community, has gained broader appeal, according to Bambū's corporate team, and they're ready to franchise the concept.

The drink is made to order using fresh cut and drained coconut water and house prepared coconut milk combined with a unique selection of fresh, healthy and delicious ingredients. Bambū was founded in 2008 and has more than 70 locations in 22 states and Canada. Its offerings appeal to guests of all ages and range from traditional Chè to Vietnamese coffee and boba tea.

QSRWeb talked to Chief Operating Officer Scott Bachman via email about what Chè is, what sets the company apart and how it plans to expand inside the U.S. and internationally.

Q: What exactly is Vietnamese Chè and how is it made?

A: Chè is the Vietnamese word for traditional homemade dessert drinks and puddings. All of Bambū's Chè are made to order with fresh or house-prepared ingredients. Our most popular Chè, the Bambū favorite (No. 10), is made with our one-of-kind pandan jelly, red tapioca, grass jelly and our daily prepared coconut milk. The Bambū Special (No. 1), our second most popular Chè, is made with longan, basil seeds, pandan jelly and fresh cut and drained young Thailand coconut water and meat.

Q: What's Bambu's concept?

A: Bambū is destination for families, friends and associates to enjoy Vietnamese inspired Chè dessert drinks, Asian inspired traditional and milk teas, Vietnamese coffees, and incredibly creamy real fruit smoothies. All drinks are vegetarian with vegan option, made-to-order and served "just the way you love it."

Q:How does Bambu differ in the drink market?

A: A Bambū has a full-kitchen that gives us the flexibility to modify menu as the market evolves and we have over 80 different drinks at any one time with 1.4 million personalized versions from level of sweetness, choice of plant-based milks, to 20 different toppings to select from.

Q: How is Bambū growing?

A: Bambū has been growing through attracting single-shop owners who loves Bambū drinks and is looking for a business that is fun, flexible, and significant upside. Bambu is looking from multiple unit Shoppe owners who have the knowledge and resources to replicate and expand Bambu large metro markets.

Q: What does the company look for in a franchisee?

A: Passion for the Bambū products and an entrepreneurial spirit. Previous restaurant or QSR experience is a plus.

Q: What regions are Bambū stores situated now? What regions is the company strongly looking at?

A: In the U.S., at least one Bambū is located in 23 states. California has the most Bambus but our strongest growth is in the Midwest including our seventh shop opening in Michigan. Internationally we currently have four shoppes open in Canada with two more in the pipeline. We also have a master franchise agreement in place to open 15 shoppes in Philippines.

Q: Who does Bambū most appeal to?

A: Bambū appeals to all demographics because of variety of drink categories:

• Chè dessert drinks — Bambū is one of the strongest brands in Southeast Asian community — especially Vietnamese. We are the only franchise that offers Chè.
• Smoothies — Our fastest growing category. Our real fruit Vietnamese style smoothies has become the No. 1 choice in not only the Asian, but the Hispanic and Black communities.
• Milk teas — We offer the traditional bubble and boba teas using fresh brewed teas. They are very popular in the under 30 age group.
• Coffees — Our Vietnamese iced coffees are strong, sweet and refreshing. Men seem to be more addicted to it than woman.

Q: What do you want our readers to know about Bambū?

A: Bambū offers a 100% vegetarian and gluten free menu with most ingredients made fresh on site daily unlike any comparable competition.

About Mandy Wolf Detwiler

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Mandy Wolf Detwiler is the managing editor at Networld Media Group and the site editor for PizzaMarketplace.com and QSRweb.com. She has more than 20 years’ experience covering food, people and places.
 
An award-winning print journalist, Mandy brings more than 20 years’ experience to Networld Media Group. She has spent nearly two decades covering the pizza industry, from independent pizzerias to multi-unit chains and every size business in between. Mandy has been featured on the Food Network and has won numerous awards for her coverage of the restaurant industry. She has an insatiable appetite for learning, and can tell you where to find the best slices in the country after spending 15 years traveling and eating pizza for a living. 

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