Bringing Southern Comfort with a New Approach
Sam’s Southern Eatery continues to grow its footprint in Wichita, unveiling its third location with a unique drive-through concept. Emanuel Ashiedu, a Salina-based software engineer and passionate restaurateur, is behind this exciting expansion at 6121 E. 21st St. This location, with its storied past as a Long John Silver’s in the 1980s and most recently the Mediterranean-inspired Clouds, will soon serve the beloved Southern flavors Sam’s is known for.
Introducing Drive-Through Service
In a first for Wichita, this new Sam’s Southern Eatery will offer drive-through service, providing customers with a faster and more convenient way to enjoy their favorite dishes. Though the building is more compact than its sister locations, Emanuel Ashiedu sees this as an opportunity to streamline service. Drive-through patrons can choose from a select menu featuring fan favorites like:
- Crispy fried catfish
- Jumbo fried shrimp
- Classic po’ boy sandwiches Dine-in guests, on the other hand, will have access to the restaurant’s complete menu of Southern delights.
Authentic Southern Menu Highlights
Sam’s Southern Eatery, founded in 2008 in Shreveport, Louisiana, has built a strong reputation for serving high-quality Southern comfort food. The full menu offers a rich variety of dishes, including:
- Fried green tomatoes
- Fried pickles
- Crab cakes
- Chicken wings
- Fried oysters Every dish is crafted with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes, ensuring a genuine Southern experience with every bite.
Rapid Expansion Across Wichita
Emanuel Ashiedu, alongside his brother-in-law Charles Scott, has played a crucial role in Sam’s Southern Eatery’s rapid expansion in Kansas. Their journey began with the first Wichita location in early 2024 at the former DeFazio’s space near 29th and Amidon, followed by a second opening at 6600 W. Central. Each location has been warmly received, further cementing the restaurant’s popularity.
Plans for Future Growth
The growth doesn’t stop here — Emanuel Ashiedu has his eyes set on the south side of Wichita for another drive-through location, continuing his mission to make Sam’s Southern Eatery’s renowned flavors more accessible to the community.
Opening Date and Expectations
The East Wichita location is slated to open in mid- to late March, offering both the efficiency of a drive-through and the comfort of a full dine-in experience. With its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Sam’s Southern Eatery is set to become a favorite destination for Southern cuisine in Wichita.
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