YouTube stars The Sidemen to bring viral fried chicken chain to Edinburgh and Glasgow

The Sidemen consists of content creators Olajide ‘JJ’ Olatunji (KSI), Harry Lewis (Wroetoshaw), Simon Minter (Miniminter), Vik Barn (Vikkstar123), Josh Bradley (Zerkaa), Ethan Payne (Behzinga) and Tobi Brown (TBJZL).

They have 22 million subscribers and launched the brand in 2021 in partnership with food franchise firm Hero Brands - an East Kilbride-headquartered group incubating a number of brands including German Doner Kebab.

Since the brand’s creation, a Scottish restaurant has yet to be opened. However, now, it has been said that they plan to open in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Livingston.

Now employing more than 4,500 people in its restaurants around the world, Hero Brands said in November that it was well placed for significant UK and new region growth over the next decade.

Sides has since expanded to five restaurants across the UK, in Essex, Manchester, London, Kent and Birmingham, and launched its first international site in Singapore last year.

The hot chicken specialist said that, as well as in Scotland, they also hope to open restaurants in Cardiff and Liverpool.

In December, news outlet Restaurant reported that the brand would be expanding to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Livingston - with the St Enoch’s Centre in Glasgow and Livingston Designer Outlet being named as two possible locations.

The Glasgow location was said to be opening in the first half of 2026, meanwhile the Livingston and Edinburgh locations would come at a later date.

At the time of the news, Aaron Moore-Saxton, managing director at Sides, said: “Expanding our footprint into Scotland has been a huge ambition and we are thrilled to bring our unique hot-chicken experience to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Livingston, as we meet out ambition of owning the hot chicken category in the UK.”

Now, speaking to PA News, Mr Moore-Saxton added: “This is all about doubling down on growth for Sides during 2026.

“We’re seeing incredible momentum in the UK and rising demand internationally, and that gives us real confidence in the next phase of our journey as we open new sites in Glasgow, Wales and Liverpool.

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“Our expansion into India, Malaysia and the UAE is a further evolution for the brand, while our continued investment in the UK remains central to our strategy.”

In a joint statement, the Sidemen said: “We are seriously hyped to take this next step and bring even more people into our Sides journey.

“For us, it’s always been about bold flavours and great food, good energy and sharing moments that go way beyond and this is honestly just the start. We can’t wait to take you all along for what’s next.”