Sides to open in 10 new locations across UK
The Sidemen have said they will continue to add to the brick-and-mortar portfolio of Sides with a launch onto the high street
The fried chicken brand Sides is on track to further expand across the UK with 10 new locations across the UK in 2023.
The growth plans will create 100 jobs and expand the brand’s footprint into the North of England alongside an exciting launch into Scotland.
Sides, originally developed by the famous YouTube collective The Sidemen, is springboarding its growth through unique product innovation, including its most-recent offering, Sides Hot Chicken. The Nashville-style chicken is dipped in paprika spiced oil with five increasing levels of heat.
As part of growth plans, the fried chicken brand will be opening in the UK’s leading shopping centres up and down the country to accompany its existing virtual restaurants.
The Sidemen have said they will continue to add to the brick-and-mortar portfolio of Sides with a launch onto the high street.
Josh Bradley, The Sidemen, said: “The fans have been crying out for more Sides locations, so we are excited to meet the fever pitch demand with more restaurants across the UK.
“Our first ever high street store will be a special moment for all of us and we cannot wait for everyone to try them as they will be a real celebration of the Sidemen ahead of our ten year anniversary as a group.”
These new locations will add an experiential element to the Sides dining experience with interactive elements throughout and subtle nods to YouTube culture.
The flagship restaurants will be larger, with screening spaces alongside room for parties and launch events to make it a must-visit for any Sidemen fan.
Sides is part of Virtual Hero, a subsidiary of the Hero Brands group behind the exploding fast-casual chain German Doner Kebab, Choppaluna, Island Poké, and XIX Vodka, a further Sidemen brand.
The brand has already launched in Market Place Harrow this year, marking its third bricks-and-mortar restaurant in the UK. The restaurant at Market Place Harrow expands Sides’ physical portfolio, as it follows its other brick-and-mortar restaurants in Wembley BOXPARK and Gravity Wandsworth.
As part of global growth, Sides is set to add 200 physical and virtual locations to its portfolio in the next ten years.
Robin Mehta, CEO of Sides, said: “The virtual locations have allowed us to rapidly reach more people across the nation but we are thrilled to expand our brick-and-mortar offering this year. The high street restaurant is a fresh concept for creating a new form of engagement for fans.
“Alongside our shopping centre locations, these additional brick-and-mortar restaurants will bring us to the focal point of communities. It will allow fans to be able to access an unrivalled Sidemen experience in their area alongside a new evolved menu offering.”