Sam’s Southern Eatery is making a triumphant return to Wichita’s west side at 6600 W. Central, thanks to franchisee Emanuel Ashiedu and his brother-in-law, Charles Scott. Known for their successful management of other Sam’s locations in Kansas, Ashiedu and Scott are bringing fresh energy and a refined approach to the site, which previously hosted a short-lived Sam’s Southern Eatery in 2020.
The first iteration of Sam’s at this address faced significant challenges, opening just before the COVID-19 pandemic in January 2020. By December of the same year, the restaurant had closed its doors, leaving a void in the local dining scene. Now, Ashiedu is ready to turn the page on that chapter and create a lasting success with the new location.
A Smaller Space, Bigger Ambitions
The revived Sam’s Southern Eatery will operate in a different part of the building from the original. Ashiedu has chosen the east side of 6600 W. Central, formerly home to Green Olive. This smaller space, with seating for 30 to 40 diners and a spacious front patio, offers an intimate and inviting atmosphere for guests.
The west side of the building, once occupied by the original Sam’s and the longtime home of Marco’s Cantina, is now occupied by Casa Mexicana. The east-side location allows Ashiedu to focus on quality service and a carefully curated menu.
“We’re excited to bring Sam’s back in a way that resonates with the community,” Ashiedu said. “This time, we’ve made adjustments to ensure the restaurant thrives and becomes a staple in Wichita.”
Building on Proven Success
Ashiedu and Scott have already proven their ability to run thriving Sam’s Southern Eatery locations. Earlier this year, they launched a highly successful Sam’s restaurant at 2706 N. Amidon, taking over the former DeFazio’s building.
In addition to the Amidon location, the duo operates Sam’s Southern Eatery restaurants in Hutchinson and Salina, cementing their reputation as leaders in the franchise. Their experience and dedication to delivering exceptional food and service are key factors driving the return of Sam’s to West Central Wichita.
Looking to the future, Ashiedu and Scott are planning to expand further within Wichita. Their next goal is to establish a presence on the city’s east side, providing even more opportunities for locals to enjoy the flavors of Sam’s Southern Eatery.
“When we find the right building, we’ll definitely open another location,” Ashiedu said, reflecting their ambitious plans for growth.
A Taste of the South
The new Sam’s Southern Eatery will offer a slightly streamlined menu compared to the Amidon location, but diners can still expect all the classic southern favorites. Signature dishes like fried catfish, shrimp, Po’ Boys, fried green tomatoes, crab cakes, and fried oysters will remain central to the menu.
Founded in 2008 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Sam’s Southern Eatery is known for its generous portions, authentic flavors, and affordable prices. With more than 50 locations across the U.S., the chain has earned a loyal following for its commitment to southern hospitality and quality food.
At the West Central location, the simplified menu reflects Ashiedu’s focus on maintaining the highest standards while delivering the flavors that customers love.
The Journey of 6600 W. Central
The building at 6600 W. Central has a long history in Wichita’s dining scene. In 2020, a different franchisee attempted to establish Sam’s Southern Eatery in the west side of the property but faced insurmountable challenges due to the pandemic.
Earlier this year, building owner Sam Eddine had plans to launch a southern-inspired concept called Mama Deaux Southern Kitchen in the east side of the building. However, staffing shortages prevented Eddine from moving forward, opening the door for Ashiedu and Scott to lease the space and bring Sam’s Southern Eatery back to life.
A Patio for Outdoor Dining
One of the standout features of the new Sam’s Southern Eatery is its spacious patio, which offers guests a relaxed outdoor dining experience. Whether enjoying a crispy fried seafood platter or a flavorful Po’ Boy sandwich, diners can take advantage of the inviting patio space for meals under the Kansas sky.
The combination of indoor and outdoor seating provides flexibility, making the restaurant a versatile choice for casual lunches, family gatherings, and everything in between.
Resilience and Vision
The return of Sam’s Southern Eatery to 6600 W. Central is a testament to the resilience and determination of Ashiedu and his team. By learning from the challenges of the past and adapting their approach, they are setting the stage for long-term success.
For fans of southern comfort food, the reopening of Sam’s is a welcome addition to the west side. With its cozy atmosphere, mouthwatering menu, and commitment to quality, the new location is poised to become a community favorite.
Looking to the Future
As Ashiedu and Scott prepare to open the new Sam’s Southern Eatery, they remain focused on their larger vision for the franchise. The duo’s plans for expansion, including a future east-side location in Wichita, reflect their dedication to bringing the best of southern cuisine to the city.
For now, the new West Central location offers a fresh opportunity to enjoy the rich flavors and welcoming hospitality that define Sam’s Southern Eatery. With Ashiedu at the helm, diners can expect an experience that honors the brand’s legacy while charting a new path for its future in Wichita.
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