London-based Black Sheep Coffee has made a significant foray into the Middle East with the inauguration of two stores in Dubai, in collaboration with local franchisee Al Farran Group. This marks the brand’s debut in the region, as it aims to bring its unique blend of robusta coffee to the dynamic market of Dubai.

The newly opened outlets, located at ACT Towers and Boulevard Plaza Towers, are set to feature Black Sheep Coffee’s complete specialty coffee menu, distinguished by its use of robusta coffee instead of the more common arabica. In addition to its signature robusta brews, the menu will showcase regional products, including the enticing Arabic Latte and a delectable za’atar croissant.

Black Sheep Coffee is wasting no time in its expansion plans, with two more UAE outlets slated to open in the second quarter of 2024 at prominent locations – Dubai Mall and Yas Mall Abu Dhabi.

Gabriel Shohet, Co-CEO of Black Sheep Coffee, expressed his excitement on this historic occasion, stating, “A historic day as we opened our first shops in the UAE, in the heart of downtown Dubai. Thanks to our awesome Emirati customers for such a warm welcome and hats off to Mohamad Al Farran and his incredible team at the Al Farran Group on delivering two flawless openings in one single day. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from the Middle East.”

This expansion is part of a broader strategy, as Black Sheep Coffee had previously signed a 30-year franchise agreement with Al Farran Group in May 2023. The ambitious plan involves opening a total of 250 stores across the Middle East within the next 15 years, showcasing the brand’s commitment to establishing a significant presence in the region.

While already operating 80 stores in the UK and one in France, Black Sheep Coffee is set to make its highly anticipated debut in the United States later this year with an outlet in Dallas, Texas.

In a parallel move towards global growth, in December 2023, UK franchise operator Moonglow Trading secured a ‘seven-figure’ funding package. The funding aims to facilitate the opening of four Black Sheep Coffee stores in Cardiff and Oxford, as the chain strategically expands its footprint within the UK market beyond London.

As Black Sheep Coffee continues to make waves internationally, these strategic expansions underscore its commitment to providing coffee enthusiasts worldwide with its distinctive robusta coffee experience.