Sam’s Southern Eatery is making its return to 6600 W. Central in Wichita, thanks to franchisee Emanuel Ashiedu and his brother-in-law Charles Scott. The duo, who have already found success with multiple Sam’s locations in Kansas, are ready to reintroduce the restaurant with a fresh approach.
This is not the first time Sam’s Southern Eatery has operated at this address. Back in January 2020, a different franchisee opened the location, but the timing proved unfortunate. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted businesses nationwide, and by December of the same year, the restaurant was forced to close its doors.
Now, Ashiedu is bringing the beloved southern comfort food chain back to life, choosing a smaller, more focused space on the east side of the building to create an intimate and welcoming dining experience.
A Fresh Start in a Smaller Space
The new Sam’s Southern Eatery will occupy the east side of the 6600 W. Central building, which has a storied history as a dining location. This section, formerly home to Green Olive, offers seating for 30 to 40 guests indoors and features a spacious patio for outdoor dining.
In contrast, the west side of the building, previously occupied by the original Sam’s and long known as the home of Marco’s Cantina, is now operated by Casa Mexicana. The east-side space offers a cozier and more manageable environment, which aligns with Ashiedu’s goal of creating a high-quality dining experience.
“We’re excited to bring Sam’s back to this community,” Ashiedu said. “This time, we’ve made adjustments to ensure the restaurant thrives and meets the needs of our guests.”
A Track Record of Success
Ashiedu and Scott are seasoned operators with a strong track record of success. Earlier this year, they opened a thriving Sam’s Southern Eatery at 2706 N. Amidon, taking over the former DeFazio’s location. The Amidon location has quickly become popular, praised for its authentic southern flavors and friendly service.
The duo also manages two other Sam’s locations in Hutchinson and Salina, showcasing their ability to grow the brand and consistently deliver excellent food and service.
Ashiedu and Scott’s plans don’t stop with the return to West Central. They are actively scouting for a location on Wichita’s east side to further expand the brand’s presence in the city.
“When we find the right building, we’ll definitely move forward,” Ashiedu said, reflecting their ambitious vision for the future.
Southern Favorites with a Refined Menu
The West Central location will feature a slightly streamlined menu compared to the Amidon restaurant but will still include Sam’s signature dishes. Guests can enjoy southern classics such as fried catfish, shrimp, Po’ Boys, fried green tomatoes, crab cakes, and fried oysters.
Founded in 2008 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Sam’s Southern Eatery has become renowned for its hearty portions, authentic flavors, and affordable prices. With more than 50 locations across the United States, it remains a favorite destination for southern comfort food enthusiasts.
By focusing on a carefully curated menu, Ashiedu aims to ensure that every dish served meets the highest standards of quality and taste.
The Evolution of 6600 W. Central
The building at 6600 W. Central has seen its fair share of transformations over the years. The original Sam’s Southern Eatery on the west side of the property struggled during its brief tenure in 2020, largely due to the challenges of the pandemic. The space eventually became home to Casa Mexicana.
Meanwhile, the east side of the building, where the new Sam’s will open, has its own history. Earlier this year, the building’s owner, Sam Eddine, had planned to open a southern-inspired restaurant called Mama Deaux Southern Kitchen in the space. However, staffing challenges forced Eddine to shelve those plans, paving the way for Ashiedu and Scott to step in and take over the lease.
A Patio with Southern Charm
One of the highlights of the new Sam’s Southern Eatery is its spacious patio, providing diners with the opportunity to enjoy their meals in a relaxed, open-air setting. Whether it’s a fried catfish platter or a shrimp Po’ Boy, the patio offers a delightful way to experience the restaurant’s signature southern flavors.
The combination of indoor and outdoor seating ensures that the new Sam’s can cater to a variety of dining preferences, making it a versatile option for everything from casual lunches to evening gatherings.
Looking Ahead
The reopening of Sam’s Southern Eatery at 6600 W. Central represents a new chapter for the restaurant in Wichita. Under Ashiedu’s leadership, the restaurant is poised to overcome the challenges of the past and build a loyal following on the west side.
For fans of southern comfort food, the return of Sam’s is an exciting development. The restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere, flavorful menu, and commitment to quality promise to make it a favorite dining spot in the community.
With plans for future expansion and a focus on meeting the needs of Wichita’s diners, Ashiedu and Scott are laying the groundwork for long-term success. Their vision for growth, combined with their proven expertise, ensures that Sam’s Southern Eatery will continue to bring the best of southern cooking to Kansas.
Experience the Flavors of the South
Whether you’re a returning fan of Sam’s or a newcomer eager to explore its menu, the West Central location invites you to savor the rich flavors and hospitality that define the brand. From crispy fried seafood to hearty Po’ Boys, every dish is crafted to deliver a taste of the South.
As Sam’s Southern Eatery prepares to reopen its doors, it’s not just about revisiting a familiar location—it’s about creating a fresh start and a dining experience that Wichita can be proud of.
