2018
125
$730,000
$40,000
$1,300,000
No
Black Sheep Coffee is a bold, disruptive coffee brand that has taken the UK by storm and is now making its mark in the United States. Founded in 2013 by university flatmates Eirik Holth and Gabriel Shohet, the brand was born from a desire to challenge the coffee establishment and offer something truly unique: 100% specialty-grade Robusta coffee. This commitment to quality and innovation has set Black Sheep Coffee apart in a crowded market.
The brand's ethos, encapsulated in the slogan "Leave the Herd Behind," resonates with consumers seeking an alternative to mainstream coffee chains. With a rapidly expanding footprint, including recent openings in Dallas and Miami, Black Sheep Coffee is poised for significant growth in the U.S. market.
Unique Product Offering: Black Sheep Coffee is the only retail coffee company globally to serve 100% specialty-grade Robusta beans, setting it apart from competitors.
Strong Brand Identity: The brand's rebellious spirit and commitment to quality resonate with a growing segment of coffee enthusiasts.
Proven Business Model: With a 74% increase in system sales from $62 million to $108 million since January 2024, Black Sheep Coffee demonstrates strong financial performance.
Global Expansion: The company has recently opened its first U.S. location in Dallas and is actively seeking qualified franchise partners across the country.
Black Sheep Coffee is a British coffeehouse chain founded in 2013 by university flatmates Gabriel Shohet and Eirik Holth. Headquartered in London, England, the company has grown into a global brand known for challenging the coffee establishment by serving 100% specialty-grade Robusta coffee beans, a departure from the industry norm of Arabica beans.
2013: Gabriel Shohet and Eirik Holth founded Black Sheep Coffee in London, aiming to offer a unique coffee experience that defied traditional industry standards.
2014: The company raised £23,000 through a Kickstarter campaign to fund its initial operations.
2019: Black Sheep Coffee secured £13 million in funding, bringing the total raised to £19 million, and acquired eight stores from the rival chain Taylor St Baristas.
2021: Basketball player Kristaps Porziņģis invested in Black Sheep Coffee to support its expansion into the U.S. market.
2022: The UK government became a shareholder in Black Sheep Coffee through the Future Fund, a scheme to support companies affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
2023: By March, Black Sheep Coffee had over 50 locations in the UK.
Black Sheep Coffee began franchising in the United States in 2018. The company has since opened several locations, including its first U.S. store in Dallas, Texas. In 2025, Black Sheep Coffee expanded into Florida with a new location in Coconut Grove, Miami.
Black Sheep Coffee is known for its bold brand identity and commitment to quality. The company offers a range of products, including barista-prepared coffees, smoothies, pastries, bagels, toasties, Norwegian waffles, and alcoholic beverages like espresso martinis. The signature "Robusta Revival" espresso blend is a testament to the company's dedication to high-quality, ethically sourced coffee.
As of 2025, Black Sheep Coffee operates over 70 locations globally, with a significant presence in the UK, France, the Philippines, and the United States Wikipedia. The company continues to expand its footprint through franchising, offering opportunities for qualified groups to join the brand's mission of revolutionizing the coffee industry.
Black Sheep Coffee offers comprehensive support to its franchisees, ensuring they are equipped to succeed:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, and store design.
Operational Training: Comprehensive training covering all aspects of store operations, including barista skills, customer service, and inventory management.
Marketing Support: Access to national marketing campaigns, local store marketing strategies, and digital marketing resources.
Ongoing Support: Continuous support through regular visits, performance reviews, and access to a dedicated franchise support team.
Franchise Manual: A detailed manual outlining operational procedures, brand standards, and best practices
Black Sheep Coffee seeks franchisees who are driven, proactive, and ambitious, with the ability to grow multiple units over time.
Ideal candidates have experience managing businesses or multi-unit operations and can handle the challenges of running a high-quality coffee brand.
They are innovative, open to new ideas, and willing to adopt Black Sheep Coffee’s unique operational and marketing strategies.
Franchisees should have a genuine interest in the coffee and hospitality industry.
They must be committed to delivering exceptional customer service and creating a welcoming, vibrant café environment.
Appreciation for high-quality coffee, particularly the brand’s 100% specialty-grade Robusta beans, is a plus.
While prior coffee shop experience is valuable, it is not strictly mandatory.
Strong business acumen is critical: the franchisee should understand financial management, inventory control, staffing, and local marketing.
Multi-unit or multi-brand operators are highly preferred, especially for regional development opportunities in the U.S.
Franchisees must meet the minimum investment requirements (approx. $730,000 – $1,300,000 per unit).
Liquid assets of $1 million or more are typically expected, along with the ability to handle working capital and initial operating expenses.
They must be prepared for royalty fees of 7% and ongoing marketing contributions.
Black Sheep Coffee franchisees are expected to uphold the brand’s rebellious yet premium image, ensuring consistency in product quality, store aesthetics, and customer experience.
Candidates must be willing to participate in training programs, adhere to operational procedures, and follow marketing guidelines to maintain brand integrity.
Ideal franchisees are interested in high-traffic, urban or suburban locations with strong demand for specialty coffee.
They should be capable of identifying and securing strategic locations, whether independently or with company support.
Black Sheep Coffee values franchisees who can build local community connections, host events, and engage with customers beyond daily operations.
Strong leadership skills are essential for managing staff, maintaining high service standards, and ensuring operational efficiency.
| Financial Item | Details / Range |
|---|
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $730,000 – $1,300,000 per unit |
| Minimum Investment Required | $730,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 7% of gross sales |
| Marketing / Advertising Fee | Allocated for national & local marketing (included in ongoing fees) |
| Working Capital | Varies by location; sufficient to cover initial 3–6 months operating expenses |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location; typically achievable within 18–24 months |
| Break-Even Time | 18–24 months (depending on sales and location) |
| Potential Revenue Streams | In-store coffee & beverages, food sales, online orders, catering services |
| Franchise Units (Current Number in USA) | 5–10 (growing; multiple locations in Texas, Florida, and other states) |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | Included in total initial investment; depends on store size & location |
| Training & Support Costs | Included in franchise fee; covers pre-launch, operational, and ongoing training |
