Emanuel Ashiedu and his brother-in-law Charles Scott are bringing Sam’s Southern Eatery back to Wichita with a fresh start at 6600 W. Central, a location that had previously seen struggles during its first attempt in 2020. The dynamic duo, who already operate successful Sam’s locations in Hutchinson, Salina, and at 2706 N. Amidon in Wichita, are determined to make this second attempt a lasting success by offering a high-quality, welcoming experience for the community.
A Fresh Start in a Familiar Location
The building at 6600 W. Central has a storied history. In early 2020, a different franchisee opened a Sam’s Southern Eatery here, but the timing couldn’t have been worse. The COVID-19 pandemic hit just as the restaurant was getting started, and the location was forced to close by the end of the year.
Now, Ashiedu is ready to turn the page on that chapter. He and Scott have leased a smaller section of the building, choosing the east side, which was formerly occupied by Green Olive. The new location will feature seating for about 30 to 40 guests inside, complemented by a spacious outdoor patio perfect for enjoying the warm Kansas weather.
“We’ve learned a lot from the past,” said Ashiedu. “This time, we’re focusing on delivering a more intimate, quality experience. By taking a smaller space, we can ensure that every guest gets the best service and the freshest southern comfort food.”
The Success of Ashiedu and Scott
Ashiedu and Scott are no strangers to the Sam’s Southern Eatery brand. Earlier this year, they opened the Sam’s Southern Eatery location at 2706 N. Amidon in the former DeFazio’s building, which has already gained a loyal following. The two are also behind the successful Sam’s locations in Hutchinson and Salina, Kansas.
Their experience in managing and expanding the Sam’s brand has given them valuable insight into what makes a Sam’s location successful. Their plan for the West Central location is to take the best elements of their existing restaurants and refine them for this new space.
“We’ve built a strong customer base in Wichita, and now we’re expanding on that success,” said Ashiedu. “Our goal is to offer the same great food, hospitality, and service that customers have come to expect from Sam’s, but in a more manageable, personalized space.”
A Simplified Menu with Classic Southern Favorites
The new Sam’s Southern Eatery location will feature a simplified menu compared to the other Sam’s in Wichita. However, diners can still expect the same delicious southern comfort dishes that Sam’s is known for, including fried catfish, shrimp, Po’ Boys, fried green tomatoes, fried pickles, and crab cakes. The goal is to provide hearty portions of flavorful food that bring a taste of the South to Wichita.
Sam’s Southern Eatery, which originated in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 2008, has expanded to over 50 locations nationwide. The chain’s focus on fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and family-friendly service has earned it a devoted customer base, particularly in southern states. Now, Ashiedu is bringing that same commitment to quality to the West Central location.
“We’re sticking with the dishes that have made Sam’s a favorite, but we’re scaling things down a bit to ensure a higher level of quality and a more streamlined dining experience,” Ashiedu explained.
A Patio for Outdoor Dining
One of the standout features of the new Sam’s Southern Eatery is its spacious outdoor patio, perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal while soaking in the Kansas sunshine. The patio will allow guests to savor their southern comfort dishes in a relaxed, open-air setting.
Whether it’s fried catfish, shrimp Po’ Boys, or fried oysters, the outdoor dining area will be an ideal place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. The restaurant will also offer indoor seating for those who prefer a cozier experience.
A Vision for Growth
The revitalization of Sam’s Southern Eatery at 6600 W. Central is just the beginning for Ashiedu and Scott. The two are already planning to expand further in Wichita, with an eye on the east side of the city for their next location.
“We’re committed to bringing the best of southern cuisine to more people in Wichita,” said Ashiedu. “We’ve seen the success of our other locations, and we know there’s demand for more. When the right space comes up, we’ll be there.”
The West Central location is expected to be a major addition to the local dining scene, providing a great option for those looking for a taste of the South. Whether it’s a casual lunch, a family dinner, or a special occasion, Sam’s Southern Eatery offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where everyone can enjoy delicious, home-style cooking.
A Community Favorite
Sam’s Southern Eatery is more than just a restaurant—it’s a community gathering spot. With its roots in southern hospitality, the brand is dedicated to offering a welcoming environment where families, friends, and neighbors can come together to enjoy hearty, flavorful meals.
For Ashiedu, bringing the restaurant back to 6600 W. Central is a chance to reconnect with the community and create lasting relationships with customers.
“We want our restaurant to be a place where people feel at home,” said Ashiedu. “It’s about creating an experience, not just a meal.”
Looking Ahead
As Sam’s Southern Eatery settles into its new home on West Central, Ashiedu and Scott are eager to continue expanding and serving the Wichita community. With a focus on quality food, exceptional service, and a friendly atmosphere, the team is excited for what the future holds.
For now, diners can enjoy the welcoming environment and delicious southern dishes at the new Sam’s Southern Eatery, knowing that it’s just the beginning of the brand’s exciting journey in Wichita.