Sam’s Southern Eatery is Back on West Central with a Fresh Start

Sam’s Southern Eatery is making its return to 6600 W. Central in Wichita, bringing southern comfort food back to a location that didn’t quite find its footing the first time around. When the restaurant initially opened in January 2020, it faced the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing its doors to close by December of the same year.

Now, under the leadership of new franchisee Emanuel Ashiedu, the beloved chain is ready for a second chance.

A New Chapter for a Storied Building

Unlike its predecessor, which occupied the building’s west-side section, the new Sam’s Southern Eatery will be located on the east side of the property. This portion of the building, best known as the former home of Green Olive, offers a more compact and cozy dining space with seating for 30 to 40 guests, along with an expansive patio for outdoor dining.

Ashiedu, who also operates the Sam’s Southern Eatery at 2706 N. Amidon alongside his brother-in-law Charles Scott, says this new location will feature a slightly streamlined menu. Diners can still enjoy fan favorites like fried catfish, shrimp, Po’ Boys, and fried green tomatoes.

The smaller scale of the east-side space will allow the team to focus on delivering exceptional food and service as they aim to establish a lasting presence in the area.

From Mama Deaux to Sam’s

This isn’t the first time the east-side space has been eyed for a southern eatery. Earlier this year, building owner Sam Eddine, known for operating Marco’s Cantina in the west-side section, announced plans to open Mama Deaux Southern Kitchen. However, staffing challenges forced him to abandon the project, and he opted to lease the space.

Ashiedu and Scott quickly stepped in, recognizing an opportunity to reintroduce Wichita to the flavors of Sam’s Southern Eatery. The familiar signage is now back up, signaling a fresh beginning for the location.

Growing a Southern Food Empire

Ashiedu and Scott have been steadily expanding their footprint in Kansas. In addition to their two Wichita locations, they also operate successful Sam’s Southern Eatery franchises in Hutchinson and Salina. And they’re not done yet.

“When we find the right building, we’ll be out there,” Ashiedu said, hinting at plans to open an east-side Wichita location in the future.

A Southern Legacy

Founded in 2008 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Sam’s Southern Eatery has become a go-to destination for authentic southern-style comfort food. The chain has grown to include over 50 locations nationwide, serving everything from crab cakes and fried oysters to chicken wings and hearty fish platters.

With its return to 6600 W. Central, Sam’s Southern Eatery is poised to turn the page on its earlier struggles and offer Wichita diners a chance to enjoy the best of southern cooking in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.

For fans of southern comfort food, this second chance feels like the perfect recipe for success.