Wild scenes at YouTuber Spanian’s kebab shop

A popular kebab shop in Melbourne was forced to beg customers not to attend its opening after thousands of people rocked up.

A popular Aussie YouTuber has been forced to turn customers away from the opening of his kebab shop after thousands of people rocked up on Thursday evening.

Anthony Lees, better known online as Spanian, is a former career criminal who spent more than a decade behind bars, turned drill rapper and social media sensation following his release from prison in 2017.

His TikTok, YouTube and Instagram content typically centres around his series Into The Hood, which sees the 35-year-old visit some of the world’s most dangerous and notorious neighbourhoods to see what life is really like for the people who live there.

Spanian, who was dropped from his management company following homophobic rants during World Pride in 2023, opened his first Spanian’s Kebabs in Melbourne on Thursday.

Spanian's Kebabs opened in Melbourne on Thursday. Picture: Instagram

The YouTuber already has three kebab store locations in Sydney, including North Parramatta, Penrith and Smeaton Grange.

However it was the Melbourne store’s much-hyped opening in Preston this week that saw fans flocking to the new venue, all eager for a taste of what was on the menu.

Social media videos show hordes of people queuing up, with a line snaking down the street.

One described the massive crowd as “worse than Disneyland”.

Another clip revealing swarms of people all queued up outside the food truck also shows motorbikes and Lamborghinis on display, with music blasting as the sun goes down.

“I drove past saw the line chucked a U turn and went to Katik,” one user wrote, referencing an Armenian bakery in Melbourne.

“Drove here, seen the line, went to KFC,” another posted.

Foodie influencer @eatwithkevin posted a video to TikTok revealing that he waited in line for five hours to try the kebabs, ordering a mixed kebab and confirming it was “absolutely loaded with sauce”. He also tried the chicken plate with garlic sauce, saying it was “good” but “not amazing”.

Ultimately, the food blogger rated the new Spanian’s location a 3.75 out of 5.

People lining up at the business. Picture: TiKTok/@melanie__files

People were lining up 30 minutes before the 5.40pm opening. Picture: TiKTok/@melanie__files

Half an hour before the business even began trading, Spanian revealed the line “went down the street”.

“Get down here lad, don’t wait too long,” he said.

Eventually, the popularity of the man behind the chain attracted so many that eventually the business had to take to Instagram stories to beg people to come back another day.

“Melbourne we are at full capacity,” the social media statement read.

“The line is up Bell St and wrapped around St George’s Road. Please no new people come today. Come tomorrow.”

The announcement asking people not to come. Picture: Instagram

The Spanian’s menu isn’t unlike other popular kebab shops, offering a snack pack, kebab, kebab plate and chips.

However, the franchise boasts its mission is to “deliver mouth-watering, authentic kebabs made with the freshest ingredients”.

The website reads: “Born out of a love for rich flavours and quality food, we’ve grown from a small neighbourhood spot to a community favourite, known for our perfectly grilled meats, savory wraps, and handcrafted sauces.”

All four locations stay open until midnight.

Originally published as Wild scenes at YouTuber Spanian’s kebab shop