Posted:03-March-2026
Sides Appoints New Head of New Business Development
Sides, the UK’s fastest‑growing hot chicken brand, has announced the appointment of Nick Evans as Head of New Business Development.
Nick steps into this new role to drive Sides’ ambitious UK and international growth plans, leading development opportunities and securing strategic partnerships. He will play a key part in expanding the brand into new territories as Sides strengthens its position as one of the UK’s most exciting hot chicken brands.
Nick Evans brings over 20 years of experience in hospitality, franchising and multi‑site operations, including more than a decade with Yum! Brands where he opened new restaurants across the UK and Europe and supported major franchise growth programmes.
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 brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight that will be instrumental in delivering our ambitious 2026 growth plans. “
We’re seeing incredible momentum in the UK and rising demand internationally, and their leadership will help us strengthen our presence across the UK while accelerating our entry into key global markets.”
The appointment comes at a major growth moment for Sides. The hot chicken brand plans to open 15 new restaurants globally in 2026, taking its portfolio to 20 locations worldwide by the end of the year, reflecting a period of strong momentum and rising global demand.
The UK will remain a major focus for Sides in 2026 as it builds on the success of its five existing restaurants, with brand opening new sites in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Livingston, with further growth planned in Liverpool and Cardiff to reach even more local communities across the country.
Internationally, Sides is accelerating its global expansion following the successful launch of its first overseas restaurant in Singapore in June 2025. Next year will see new openings across India, Malaysia, Singapore and the UAE, including confirmed locations in Kuala Lumpur, Sentosa Island and Dubai, marking the brand’s next major step into global markets.
Nick Evans, New Head of New Business Development, said: “I’m genuinely thrilled to be joining Sides at such a pivotal moment in its journey.
“Sides is an incredible brand with a powerful foundation, and the opportunity to help shape its next phase of growth is both a challenge and something that truly excites me. I’m passionate about bringing our bold flavours, culture and energy to new locations and new communities across the UK and internationally and about creating fresh experiences that give people even more reasons to fall in love with Sides.”
In addition to the new leadership appointment, Sides also welcomes Georgia Hobson to its Marketing department to deliver brand‑building initiatives, campaign execution and community engagement.
With a strengthened leadership team, a rapidly expanding store portfolio and its boldest growth strategy to date, Sides remains committed to delivering the quality, consistency and energy that define the brand, while moving closer to its mission of becoming the most famous hot- chicken brand in the UK and an emerging global force.
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