‘We want to be the biggest coffee company in the world,’ CEO says as Dallas shop opens

Black Sheep Coffee, a Miami-based coffee company with roots stretching from Paris to Oslo, is making a bold push into the U.S., starting in Texas. College friends Gabriel Shohet and Eirik Holth founded Black Sheep’s Journey in London in 2015. After opening their first U.S. location in Plano, they quickly followed with a grand opening in East Dallas, signaling their caffeinated ambitions across Texas and beyond. With a line of new locations planned in Grapevine, Austin, and even Miami, Shohet and Holth are eyeing rapid expansion throughout the Sun Belt, including Phoenix, Atlanta, and both Carolinas. Their mission? To rival coffee giants like Starbucks—not indie shops—by creating a global quick-service powerhouse.

Black Sheep isn’t just about coffee; it’s about a high-energy experience with Norwegian waffles, espresso, and a vibe that merges robust flavors with fast-paced convenience. On its opening day in Dallas, the shop drew big crowds with its eye-catching orange flags and even a hot air balloon. Drive-through lines were packed, while customers ordered from sleek, customer-facing screens inside. It’s a fast-service model they believe will scale well in the U.S. market, especially as Americans have their coffee preferences—like iced drinks and larger sizes—compared to European customers.

Part of what makes Black Sheep different is its choice of coffee bean. In most coffee chains, Shohet and Holth opt for robusta, which carries more caffeine than the standard arabica bean. While robusta is known for its bitter taste, Shohet insists its brewing process brings out rich dark chocolate and walnut notes. This unique flavor profile helped them win over early investor Abe Conick, who fondly recalls their early days, making coffee samples for anyone trying the robusta bean. Now, with additional investors, including former Dallas Mavericks player Kristaps Porziņģis, Black Sheep Coffee has gained serious momentum—and they’re eager to capitalize on it.

For Black Sheep, success is not just about adding more stores but adapting to American tastes and trends. Unlike the U.K., drive-throughs are essential in the U.S. and are now a key feature in their growth plan. With an aggressive goal to be the biggest coffee company in the world, Shohet and Holth are pushing forward, counting on their growing network of franchises to fuel expansion. “Something is inspiring about having momentum,” Shohet shares, encapsulating the ambitious spirit driving their journey……….[read more]

Rising Dough

As Black Sheep Coffee takes on major coffee players in the U.S., what might be some unique challenges and opportunities they face as a small yet ambitious brand entering a competitive market—and how do these factors impact consumers and investors alike?

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