Black Sheep Coffee

Name: Black Sheep Coffee franchise
Brand: Black Sheep Coffee

Founded in 2013, Black Sheep Coffee is an international speciality coffee brand known for its distinctive robusta blends, offering multi-unit franchise opportunities across the UK and overseas.

120 UK sites Territories: Black Sheep Coffee operates 120+ UK sites and 11 international locations, bringing its global network to over 131 sites.

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About Black Sheep Coffee

Black Sheep Coffee was established in 2013 by Eirik Holth and Gabriel Shohet, challenging conventional coffee culture with speciality-grade 100% robusta coffee. Its menu also features smoothies, Norwegian waffles, pastries and light food.

Following a £13 million investment in 2019, the brand expanded across the UK and internationally. It opened its 100th location in Abu Dhabi in 2024 and has developed a presence in the US and Middle East, alongside its British estate.

Growth is driven by company-operated shops and multi-unit franchise agreements, including a major Middle East development partnership. By August 2025, Black Sheep Coffee had announced commitments for more than 150 additional UK stores. Its formats include high-street cafés, shopping centres, transport hubs and drive-throughs, with its first UK drive-through opening in Blackburn in September 2026. The brand seeks experienced operators to develop regional networks and extend its distinctive coffee offering.

Why franchise with Black Sheep Coffee

Established British speciality coffee brand with an international presence across the UK, US and Middle East.
Distinctive speciality-grade robusta coffee offering sets the brand apart in a competitive coffee market.
Flexible locations include high streets, shopping centres, airports, transport hubs and drive-through sites.
Multi-unit and regional development opportunities suit experienced franchise and multi-brand operators.
Broad menu of speciality coffees, smoothies, Norwegian waffles, pastries and other light food options.
Growing UK franchise pipeline and international expansion plans offer scope for long-term network growth.

Investment breakdown

Management service fee	On request
Marketing contribution	On request
Agreement term	On request

What's expected of a franchisee

Property requirements

Black Sheep Coffee considers high streets, shopping centres, retail parks, airports, transport hubs and drive-through sites. Franchisees identify properties within agreed territories, considering footfall, access, demographics and competition. Premises need suitable coffee preparation, food service, refrigeration, storage and seating facilities where applicable. Size, frontage, parking and drive-through specifications vary by format, with all proposed sites subject to brand approval.

Training and support

Black Sheep Coffee offers franchise partners an established operating model, distinctive robusta coffee range and guidance on brand standards, product preparation and customer service. Its experience spans high-street, retail, transport and drive-through formats. The programme targets experienced multi-unit operators with the capacity to develop regional networks. Details of initial training, opening assistance, marketing, supply chains and ongoing support should be confirmed directly.

Operational requirements

Black Sheep Coffee franchisees must follow brand standards, product specifications and customer service requirements. Daily duties include managing staff, stock, food safety, product quality and financial performance. Multi-unit operators need suitable management systems to oversee consistent service across locations. Partners must identify sites, manage openings and meet agreed development commitments while maintaining the resources to support growth within their territories.

Experience required

Black Sheep Coffee seeks experienced multi-unit or multi-brand operators with a track record in hospitality, foodservice or franchising. Partners must commit to developing at least ten locations in an agreed territory and demonstrate access to £1 million or more in cash or liquid assets. Applicants need strong leadership, financial management, property development and multi-site operational skills. International opportunities may suit operators with relevant local market expertise.