YouTube Star Spanian Misses Kebab Shop Grand Opening in Sydney
Fans were left feeling let down this week when they were deprived of an opportunity to see their favourite YouTube personality at the launch of his latest Sydney kebab shop. Spanian, whose real name is Anthony Lees, officially opened his new Spanian's Kebabs outlet in Kogarah on Friday. However, the social media sensation was conspicuously absent when the moment arrived for the ceremonial ribbon cutting.
Cartoon Mascot Stands In for Absent Influencer
He did not completely abandon his supporters, though, dispatching an oversized cartoon mascot likeness to amuse the hungry followers gathered at the scene. The humorous creation displayed a remarkable similarity to its real-life inspiration – even down to the extensively tattooed arms and legs. Despite the name on the sign failing to appear, the grand opening drew a substantial crowd eager to catch a glimpse of Spanian and sample one of his culinary offerings.
Spanian's cartoon representation did manage to engage with the audience, with diners delighted to take selfies alongside the character. One enthusiast was observed grinning broadly as he posed for a photograph with cartoon Spanian – hardly surprising, given the character's contagious smile. It seems that Spanian was overseas for the opening, as his most recent Instagram post, published on Wednesday, depicted him in Bangkok.
Previous Opening Sparked Controversy Over Mural
This incident follows the YouTuber receiving criticism when fans spotted an unusual detail at the grand opening of another of his Sydney kebab shops. The social media star uploaded a clip to Instagram in January showing him posing cheerfully with fans at the official launch of Spanian's Kebabs in Newtown. Beaming widely, Spanian cut the commemorative ribbon before proudly displaying the sleek new takeaway venue.
But it did not take long for followers to detect something amiss. Fans rapidly focused on artwork portraying Spanian painted on the store's wall – which emphasised the outcomes of his recent rhinoplasty and dental procedures – with numerous individuals asserting it bore little resemblance to him. "Nice... but whoever did that mural did old Spanyos dirty," commented one person on X. "Who is that in the painting?" another inquired. "Got a nose job bro," a second added.
Elsewhere, another offered his artistic counsel. "Think the mural should be a clean graphic slightly raised with a dim LED. Black and white. With your egg of a head on it clutching..." they wrote. Nevertheless, there were admirers who cherished the new King Street dining spot. "Congrats on the opening. The food and service was perfect. The seasoning on the chips was off the chart. Should have stayed for ice cream," wrote another. "The food is amazing," added one more, and they were not alone in this sentiment.
From Eshay Subculture to Business Success
Spanian, real name Anthony Lees, was formerly Sydney's emblematic figure for the working-class urban youth subculture known as eshays, recognised for tracksuits, bum bags, tough talk and street credibility. Now a legitimate businessman and entertainer, he has prior convictions for armed robbery, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and reckless wounding.
His last sentence was for operating a criminal group that dealt drugs, and he has served over twelve years in prison in total. Following his most recent prison release in 2017, he initiated the YouTube series Into the Hood, journeying across Australia and the globe to visit hazardous, crime-ridden areas. An influencer career soon beckoned as he promoted himself on YouTube as a reformed former criminal, accumulating a fortune in the process.
He recently concluded his two-year marriage to Angela McColl, merely a few months after she gave birth to their son. He is presently dating his significantly younger girlfriend, Ava Jean Walker, aged 22.
