In a bold move that disrupted traffic and delighted fans, YouTuber and Celebrity Traitor’s contestant Niko Omilana set up a parody fast-food drive-thru called “notMcDunaLd’s” directly opposite a McDonald’s in Glasgow.
Known for pushing boundaries in the name of entertainment, Niko’s latest stunt on Eglinton Street is already being labelled one of his most audacious public pranks to date. But what really happened, and why has this particular event garnered such attention?
Who Is Niko Omilana and Why Is He So Popular?
Niko Omilana is a well-known British YouTuber, internet personality and satirical content creator with over 8.3 million subscribers on YouTube. His channel is famous for prank videos, social experiments and political satire.
Niko’s reputation as a creative provocateur grew when he ran a tongue-in-cheek campaign for Mayor of London in 2021 and later stood as an independent candidate in the 2024 UK general election, both of which earned media coverage despite his deliberate lack of political seriousness.
He further cemented his mainstream appeal by joining the cast of Celebrity Traitors, introducing him to a broader TV audience outside of YouTube. It’s this blend of humour, rebellion and accessibility that has made Niko a relatable yet controversial figure, especially among younger audiences in the UK.
What Happened on Eglinton Street in Glasgow?
On the evening of Thursday, 27 November, locals around Glasgow’s Southside were caught off guard when a makeshift fast-food drive-thru appeared on Eglinton Street, directly opposite an existing McDonald’s restaurant.
The temporary establishment, boldly titled “notMcDunaLd’s”, mirrored the familiar branding of McDonald’s, complete with yellow signage and a mock “DRIVE THRU” setup.
As word quickly spread through social media and Niko’s since-deleted Instagram story, large crowds began to gather, creating a spectacle at Eglinton Toll. Traffic slowed as both drivers and pedestrians joined the scene, eager to catch a glimpse of the prank or get their hands on the free food being handed out.
The timing, location, and visual parody were unmistakable. This was not just a casual pop-up, it was a carefully staged act of satire targeting one of the biggest global fast-food brands.
How Did Niko’s “Not McDonald’s” Stunt Work?
The pop-up was structured to mimic the classic McDonald’s drive-thru experience. Niko Omilana, along with a small team and hired security, served customers McDonald’s-style burgers and fries, while large signs reading “Not McDonald’s” helped build the illusion.
According to reports and fan footage, the system was simple but chaotic. Cars and walk-up customers queued in lines, reminiscent of any fast-food rush hour. However, unlike McDonald’s, Niko’s offering came free of charge.
His Instagram story, now deleted, initially announced the prank and gave specific directions to the pop-up’s location: 620 Eglinton Street, G5 9RU. He even added the disco track “Yes Sir, I Can Boogie” to his post, referencing Scotland’s World Cup hopes, a nod that clearly resonated with local fans.
Why Did He Choose Glasgow for This Drive-Thru Prank?
Choosing Glasgow was likely a strategic decision. The city is known for its passionate communities and lively street culture, making it an ideal backdrop for a high-energy, spontaneous event.
Additionally, Eglinton Street provided the perfect setting with its high footfall and existing McDonald’s location, allowing for maximum visibility and contrast between the original and the spoof.
The local response confirmed the impact. Glasgow residents turned up in large numbers, embracing the unexpected entertainment and documenting the moment for social media, further amplifying Niko’s reach.
Has Niko Pulled Off Similar Pranks Before?
This isn’t the first time Niko Omilana has challenged a corporate giant through parody. One of his earlier viral stunts included the creation of a rival to Burger King, cheekily dubbed “not Burger King”, where he also mimicked branding, service, and menu items to lampoon the fast-food industry.
Niko’s signature approach, satirical mimicry with a touch of generosity, has become a hallmark of his public pranks. His work often involves turning public spaces into arenas of humour and questioning social norms, all while leveraging YouTube as his broadcast platform.
How Did the Public React to the “notMcDunaLd’s” Stunt?
The reaction from the public was overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Footage shared by local media such as Glasgow Live showed huge queues, excited fans, and a general sense of carnival atmosphere.
Some people came simply for the free food, while others were there to meet Niko and participate in what many viewed as a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Security had to manage the swelling crowd as fans swarmed the area, attempting to interact with the YouTuber. Despite the congestion and delays around the toll, the event was largely good-natured, with many praising Niko for his creativity and for giving back to the community in a humorous way.
What Could Be the Purpose Behind This Viral Prank?
Though fun on the surface, Niko’s pranks often carry layered meanings. By positioning himself as a direct competitor to McDonald’s, even if only temporarily, he likely intended to draw attention to the power of influence, the reach of social media creators, and the influence of branding.
It is also expected that this stunt will be featured in an upcoming YouTube video, further expanding its reach and monetising the moment for digital audiences. Niko has mastered the art of turning pranks into professional content, combining in-person engagement with online entertainment.
What Does This Mean for the Fast Food Industry?
While fast-food chains like McDonald’s may not feel a direct business threat from such stunts, events like this demonstrate the cultural influence that digital creators can have. Where traditional marketing spends millions on brand loyalty, creators like Niko can capture attention with a humorous concept, a mobile kitchen, and an audience that trusts his persona.
This kind of parody forces industry players to consider the power of viral marketing and the shifting consumer focus toward authentic, surprising, and interactive experiences.
Is This Niko Omilana’s Boldest Move Yet?
Considering the scale of public turnout, traffic disruption, and media coverage, many are calling this one of Niko Omilana’s most daring pranks yet. It merged parody, public performance, and digital storytelling in one strategic hit.
Though his political stunts during election seasons were more controversial, the “notMcDunaLd’s” drive-thru struck a perfect balance between humour, spectacle, and social commentary, all while keeping fans engaged and entertained.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Niko Omilana?
With this stunt in Glasgow likely to become one of the highlights of his channel’s upcoming content, fans are already speculating about what Niko will do next.
Whether it’s another spoof, a political parody, or a community stunt, one thing is certain, Niko Omilana has mastered the craft of turning public pranks into digital gold.
FAQs
What is the notMcDunaLd’s stunt by Niko Omilana?
It’s a parody drive-thru created by YouTuber Niko Omilana in Glasgow, set up opposite a McDonald’s, offering free food and mimicking the fast-food chain.
Where did Niko Omilana set up the prank drive-thru?
The prank took place on Eglinton Street in Glasgow’s Southside, across from a real McDonald’s location.
Why did Niko delete the Instagram story about the stunt?
The deleted story likely contained teaser details meant to generate buzz for an upcoming YouTube video featuring the prank.
Has Niko done similar fast food pranks before?
Yes, he previously launched a spoof called not Burger King and has a history of creating parody content that mimics corporate brands.
Was the food at notMcDunaLd’s real and free?
Yes, the food was real, served on a drive-thru basis, and offered completely free to attendees.
How did the public react to the drive-thru stunt?
The public response was enthusiastic, with large crowds gathering and videos circulating widely online.
What’s the purpose behind Niko Omilana’s fast food parody?
The stunt blends humour, social commentary, and digital content creation, highlighting the power of internet creators in modern media culture.
