Sam’s Southern Eatery Returns to 6600 W. Central: A Fresh Start for Southern Comfort

Sam’s Southern Eatery is making its long-awaited return to 6600 W. Central in Wichita. The popular southern-style restaurant, known for its fried catfish, shrimp, and hearty Po’ Boys, is getting a second chance at the location after a previous attempt fell victim to unfortunate timing.

In January 2020, the first Sam’s Southern Eatery opened in this building, but its operation was short-lived due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The restaurant closed its doors by December of that year. Now, under the leadership of franchisee Emanuel Ashiedu, the eatery is set to make a triumphant comeback, bringing fresh energy, a new layout, and a strategic approach to ensure success.

A New Beginning in a New Space

The revived Sam’s Southern Eatery will be located on the east side of the building at 6600 W. Central, a smaller and cozier space that previously housed Green Olive. With indoor seating for 30 to 40 guests and an expansive patio for outdoor dining, the setup is designed to provide a comfortable yet intimate dining experience.

The previous version of Sam’s Southern Eatery occupied the west-side section of the building, a larger space once home to Marco’s Cantina and now the location of Casa Mexicana. Moving to the east side allows Ashiedu and his team to create a fresh identity for the restaurant while utilizing a space better suited to their vision for this location.

In addition to the new space, the menu will be slightly streamlined compared to Ashiedu’s other Sam’s location at 2706 N. Amidon. However, diners can still expect all the southern staples the restaurant is known for, including fried catfish, shrimp, fried green tomatoes, and Po’ Boys.

“We’re excited to bring Sam’s Southern Eatery back to this location, and we’re confident that this time, we’ll have the right ingredients for success,” Ashiedu said.

Overcoming Challenges

The building at 6600 W. Central has a long and varied history as a dining establishment. Earlier this year, its owner, Sam Eddine—known for running Marco’s Cantina—had plans to launch a new southern-style restaurant in the east-side space called Mama Deaux Southern Kitchen. However, staffing challenges forced him to abandon the project, and he decided to lease the space instead.

That’s when Ashiedu and his business partner, Charles Scott, stepped in to bring their proven track record to the table. Together, the two already operate successful Sam’s Southern Eatery franchises in Hutchinson, Salina, and another location in Wichita.

This isn’t just a comeback for the brand; it’s a calculated opportunity to serve southern comfort food in a space tailored to the community’s needs.

Expanding Their Presence in Wichita

The reopening of Sam’s Southern Eatery at 6600 W. Central is part of Ashiedu and Scott’s larger plan to expand the restaurant’s footprint in Kansas. Earlier this year, the pair opened their first Wichita location at 2706 N. Amidon, in the building that once housed DeFazio’s. Now, with the addition of the West Central location, they are steadily building their presence in the city.

But their ambitions don’t stop there. Ashiedu and Scott have their sights set on Wichita’s east side, where they hope to open another Sam’s Southern Eatery location in the future.

“When we find the right building, we’ll definitely be out there,” Ashiedu said, underscoring their commitment to growing the brand.

A Southern Legacy

Founded in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 2008, Sam’s Southern Eatery has become a beloved chain with more than 50 locations across the United States. Its menu is a celebration of southern comfort food, featuring dishes like crab cakes, fried oysters, chicken wings, fish platters, and fried pickles. Known for its generous portions and affordable prices, Sam’s has earned a loyal following in every community it serves.

The chain’s emphasis on hospitality and authentic flavors has made it a standout in the competitive casual dining market. Ashiedu and Scott are bringing that same spirit to Wichita, ensuring the city has a place to enjoy hearty southern meals in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

A Fresh Take on Familiar Comfort

With its reopening on West Central, Sam’s Southern Eatery is embracing a new beginning. By relocating to the smaller, east-side section of the building and refining its menu, the restaurant is positioned to succeed where its predecessor struggled. The addition of patio dining also offers a unique feature that’s sure to appeal to guests looking to enjoy their meals outdoors.

The restaurant’s return is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the enduring appeal of southern cooking. For diners, it’s a chance to experience the same great flavors and hospitality they’ve come to expect from Sam’s Southern Eatery in a fresh and updated setting.

Looking to the Future

As Ashiedu and Scott continue to grow their franchise footprint, their vision for Sam’s Southern Eatery in Wichita remains clear. By focusing on quality food, excellent service, and strategic expansion, they aim to make the brand a household name across the city.

For now, the return of Sam’s Southern Eatery to 6600 W. Central marks an exciting new chapter for both the restaurant and the community it serves. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, this comeback promises to deliver all the flavors and comfort you’d expect from a true southern classic.