UK-based hot chicken brand Sides has appointed Nick Evans as its new Head of New Business Development as the fast-growing QSR chain pushes ahead with ambitious expansion plans across the UK and international markets.
Evans will lead the company’s new business development strategy, focusing on identifying growth opportunities, securing commercial partnerships, and supporting the rollout of new locations globally. The appointment comes as Sides prepares for a major expansion phase in 2026, with plans to open 15 new restaurants worldwide and grow its estate to 20 locations globally by the end of the year.
Founded by YouTube collective The Sidemen alongside entrepreneur Matt McEvoy, Sides has built a strong following through its Nashville-style hot chicken offering, digital-first marketing approach, and rapidly growing delivery-led operations. The brand currently operates five UK restaurants and has been expanding aggressively amid rising global demand for premium chicken concepts.
According to the company, the UK will remain a major focus market in 2026, with upcoming openings planned in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Livingston, alongside further expansion into Liverpool and Cardiff. Internationally, the company is accelerating growth following the launch of its first overseas outlet in Singapore in June 2025. New openings are planned across India, Malaysia, Singapore and the UAE, including confirmed sites in Kuala Lumpur, Sentosa Island and Dubai.
Evans brings more than 20 years of experience in hospitality, franchising and multi-site operations. Prior to joining Sides, he spent over a decade with Yum! Brands, where he supported franchise growth programmes and helped launch restaurants across the UK and Europe.
Aaron Moore-Saxton, Managing Director at Sides, said: “We are incredibly excited to welcome Nick to Sides at such a pivotal moment in our journey.” He added that Evans brings “a wealth of experience and strategic insight” that will help deliver the company’s ambitious 2026 growth plans.
Moore-Saxton further noted: “We’re seeing incredible momentum in the UK and rising demand internationally,” adding that Evans’ leadership would help the brand strengthen its UK presence while accelerating expansion into key global markets.
Commenting on his appointment, Evans said: “I’m genuinely thrilled to be joining Sides at such a pivotal moment in its journey.” He described the brand as having “a powerful foundation” and said the opportunity to help shape its next phase of growth was “something that truly excites” him.
Evans also highlighted the brand’s expansion ambitions, saying he looks forward to bringing Sides’ “bold flavours, culture and energy” to new communities across the UK and international markets.
Alongside Evans’ appointment, Sides has also strengthened its wider team with the addition of Georgia Hobson to its marketing division, where she will support campaigns and community engagement initiatives.
