The Sidemen, a popular YouTube group, has revealed its intention to launch 15 additional fried chicken eateries this year. The group introduced Sides in 2021 in collaboration with Hero Brands, a Scottish food franchise company. Sides has already established a presence in various locations, including Essex, Manchester, London, Kent, Birmingham, and even internationally in Singapore. Now, the brand is aiming to expand significantly across the UK, with plans for new restaurants in Scotland, Cardiff, and Liverpool.
Further expansion is on the horizon for Sides in Asia and the Middle East, with upcoming openings in India, Malaysia, Singapore, and the UAE. The first international site in Singapore was launched by the brand last year. The Sidemen, comprising members such as KSI, Wroetoshaw, Miniminter, Vikkstar123, Zerkaa, Behzinga, and TBJZL, boast a subscriber base of 22 million.
Sides has received positive feedback, with one review on Tripadvisor praising the food as “incredible” and the chicken as “crispy and scrumptious.” Aaron Moore-Saxton, the managing director at Sides, expressed enthusiasm for the brand’s growth in 2026, emphasizing the surge in demand both in the UK and internationally. The brand is set to open new establishments in Glasgow, Wales, and Liverpool, while also expanding into India, Malaysia, and the UAE.
In a collective statement, the Sidemen expressed their excitement for the brand’s future endeavors and the opportunity to involve more individuals in the Sides experience. The group emphasized their commitment to delivering bold flavors, great food, and memorable moments. The rapid expansion of chicken brands is evident across the UK, with Popeyes, Wingstop, and Dave’s Hot Chicken all outlining plans for expansion.
Popeyes, supported by TDR Capital, disclosed intentions to continue opening new restaurants in the UK following the launch of its 100th site in November 2025. The recent opening of a new branch in London Bridge aligns with the brand’s strategy to target more travel hubs. Wingstop UK, acquired for approximately £400 million, has also experienced rapid growth in recent times.