UK Coffee Company Wants To Be the Next Starbucks, Plans 20 Stores in Dallas Area

Gabriel Shohet and Eirik Holth were two roommates who began Black Sheep Coffee with £20,000 and a dream: to be the biggest coffee chain in the world. Or Dallas, at least.

The duo’s humble beginnings were in London in 2013, and since then, the franchise has expanded to over 130 locations worldwide, including Dubai. 

Black Sheep’s disruption of the coffee market is largely due to the use of robusta beans, rather than arabica. Pure arabica beans are the choice of all the big leagues: Starbucks, Dunkin’, etc., making Black Sheep, which uses 100% robusta, the black sheep of the industry. 

After gaining a strong foothold in the U.K. market, tapping into the U.S. market was nearly a given. “We want to be in every city and every town in the United States,” Shohet and Holth boasted in a YouTube video promoting the U.S.-based franchising of Black Sheep Coffee. 

Whether that will happen is to be determined, but considering the fact that they’ve secured a 20-store development agreement across Dallas-Fort Worth, they’re off to a decent start. Or will they end up like Salad and Go? 

Growing Deep and Wide

There are four Black Sheep Coffee locations in North Texas right now. One is in Southlake, another is in Plano and two others are in Aubrey and Dallas proper (Mockingbird Lane).

This new agreement will bring 20 new locations to DFW over the next five years, with plans in Richland Hills, Bedford, Plano, Garland, Rowlett, Mobile City, Sunnyvale, Richardson and Sachse.

The expansion is being led by Yoloways, an established U.K. franchise partner from Black Sheep Coffee’s network. They chose North Texas for its strong population growth, dynamic retail development and increasing consumer demand for specialty coffee concepts. 

About Robusta Beans

Robusta beans are known for their bold flavor profile, smooth finish and naturally higher levels of caffeine compared to Arabica beans. In a world of full Arabica drinkers, will they disrupt the status quo?

With their all-day cafe approach and menu full of distinct offerings like Norwegian waffles, Red Bull-infused drinks and allegedly the best acai money can buy, the path to success seems clear. 

The only question now is, will Dallas bite? Or in this case, drink?