Bringing More Southern Flavor to the City

Sam’s Southern Eatery is continuing its impressive growth in Wichita with the opening of its third location, introducing a new twist on its celebrated Southern-style cuisine. Emanuel Ashiedu, a software engineer based in Salina and the driving force behind this expansion, is bringing his vision to life at 6121 E. 21st St. This historic site, originally a Long John Silver’s in the 1980s and later the Mediterranean restaurant Clouds, will soon serve up beloved Southern comfort food.

Wichita’s First Drive-Through Location

This new East Wichita branch marks a significant milestone for Sam’s Southern Eatery — its first-ever drive-through in the city. While the building is smaller than the other Wichita locations, Emanuel Ashiedu sees the drive-through as a way to deliver quick and efficient service without sacrificing quality. Drive-through patrons can enjoy a streamlined menu featuring favorites like crispy fried catfish, jumbo fried shrimp, and the famous po' boy sandwiches. For those dining in, the complete menu will be available, offering the full Southern dining experience.

A Southern-Inspired Menu

Sam’s Southern Eatery, founded in 2008 in Shreveport, Louisiana, is known for its rich and diverse menu of Southern comfort dishes. The offerings include mouthwatering items like:

• Fried green tomatoes

• Fried pickles

• Crab cakes

• Chicken wings

• Fried oysters Every dish reflects the restaurant’s commitment to authentic recipes and fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Expanding the Restaurant’s Footprint

Emanuel Ashiedu, along with his brother-in-law Charles Scott, has been instrumental in establishing Sam’s Southern Eatery’s presence in Kansas. They opened their first Wichita location in early 2024 at the former DeFazio’s site near 29th and Amidon, followed by a second location at 6600 W. Central. The warm reception and growing popularity have fueled their continued expansion.

Looking Toward the Future

With an eye on further growth, Emanuel Ashiedu is already planning a fourth Wichita location on the city’s south side. This new venture aims to bring the same beloved Southern flavors to even more residents, featuring the convenience of a drive-through and the quality food Sam’s Southern Eatery is known for.

Grand Opening on the Horizon

The East Wichita location is set to open in mid- to late March, offering both drive-through and dine-in options. As the restaurant continues to grow, it remains dedicated to delivering exceptional Southern cuisine and outstanding customer service, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers in Wichita.