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TRENDY Scottish beer producers BrewDog are planning their own chain of pubs and restaurants

in the US.

The firm, run by friends James Watt and Martin Dickie, last week announced they will open a

£19.3million brewery near Columbus, Ohio, next year.

It will be their first production site outside the original BrewDog brewery in Ellon, Aberdeenshire.

James, 32, has revealed it’s just the start of a massive expansion into America that will extend to bars and restaurants.

He said: “We want to increase the distribution of our beers in the States, open up bars and continue brewing amazing collaborative beers with our American friends. We’re still in the very early stages

of planning BrewPubs across the country but the US craft beer scene has been a huge influence on us and we can’t wait to be part of it.”

The former student flatmates, who launched BrewDog in 2007, have taken the firm from a

small-scale enterprise to the UK’s fastest-growing drinks brand, ­turning over nearly £30million last year.

What started with experiments in a shed in their home town of Fraserburgh is now a world-famous brand, exported to 55 countries and employing more than 365 staff.

The firm have used their own version of crowd-funding – Equity for Punks – to expand quickly and they are seeking investors to finance their American plans.

James said: “This is one of the most exciting projects we have embarked upon. There is great appreciation and demand for our beers in ­America. It made sense to finally become part of craft beer’s spiritual home.”

The move into production and pubs in the US comes on the heels of a reality TV show featuring

James and Martin touring America, creating beer in unusual locations.

Made by satellite channel Esquire, it’s now in its third series and has turned the BrewDog founders into minor celebrities.

James added: “I’m at the stage where I get random people smiling at me and doing the ‘Where do I know you from?’ finger-pointing.

“I guess that makes me a C-grade celebrity. Let’s say C+. The Scottish accent is definitely a plus.”