Black Sheep Coffee Franchise

Founded by former university flatmates who set out to challenge the conventions of the coffee industry, Black Sheep Coffee built its identity around "leaving the herd behind". The chain claims to be the only retail coffee business in the world using 100% specialty-grade Robusta as its house bean, paired with a food and drinks range spanning waffles, pastries, smoothies and vegan-friendly options. Stores are designed as social hubs, hosting live music and local art alongside the coffee offer, giving each shop a distinct community feel rather than a purely transactional format.

Black Sheep Coffee has shown rapid, well-documented momentum: over 100 outlets launched within seven years, 25% same-store sales growth in the UK reported in H1 2025, and more than 150 new store commitments secured through multi-unit development agreements. Investors have valued the business above £100 million, and it has attracted UK government-linked backing via the Future Fund. For operators seeking a scaling brand with strong trading figures and an active national rollout, the network offers genuine growth momentum rather than a stagnant, mature concept.

The brand is explicit about the calibre of partner it wants: experienced multi-unit or multi-brand operators rather than first-time single-site franchisees. Its territorial model is built around exclusive UK counties and London boroughs, meaning candidates are expected to commit to developing several sites within a defined area rather than opening a single café. This points to a network aimed at established hospitality or retail groups with the operational capacity and capital to roll out multiple locations over time.

Black Sheep Coffee has not published official investment figures, entry fees or royalty rates on its own franchise materials. Third-party listings circulating online mention total investment ranging broadly between roughly £250,000 and £450,000, alongside a suggested royalty around 6% plus a marketing contribution near 2%, but none of these figures come from a verified primary source and should be treated with caution until confirmed directly by the franchisor. Prospective candidates should request an official disclosure document before relying on any published estimate. Store formats vary considerably — a flagship example in Edinburgh occupies roughly 3,600 square feet, though this reflects a large-format unit rather than a standard requirement.

• Founded in 2013 by Gabriel Shohet and Eirik Holth, former University of St Andrews flatmates
• UK legal entity: Black Sheep Coffee Ltd, incorporated 6 November 2013, registered in London
• Over 100 stores opened across the UK within seven years of franchising activity
• More than 150 new store commitments signed via multi-unit development deals
• 25% same-store sales growth reported in the UK during H1 2025
• International presence includes coffee shops and cocktail bars across the UK, France and the Philippines, with US and GCC expansion underway
• Business previously valued at approximately £109.2 million following a £13 million funding round, with Future Fund (UK government) backing secured in 2022

If you run a hospitality business and are ready to bring an ambitious, fast-growing coffee brand to your region, get in touch to request further information on Black Sheep Coffee's franchise opportunities.