Sam’s Southern Eatery Brings Drive-Through Convenience to East Wichita

A New Chapter for Sam’s Southern Eatery in Wichita

Sam’s Southern Eatery continues its impressive expansion in Wichita with the launch of a third location, offering a fresh take on its well-loved Southern comfort food. Emanuel Ashiedu, a software engineer from Salina, is leading this new venture, which will be located at 6121 E. 21st St. This building has a rich history, first serving as a Long John Silver’s restaurant in the 1980s and later transforming into Clouds — a daiquiri lounge turned Mediterranean eatery. Now, it’s set to become the latest home for Sam’s Southern Eatery, further strengthening the brand’s presence in the city.

Drive-Through Service Makes Its Debut

For the first time in Wichita, Sam’s Southern Eatery will offer a drive-through service, marking an exciting development for the restaurant. Although this new location will be smaller than the others, Emanuel Ashiedu sees the drive-through as a way to provide faster and more convenient service. The drive-through menu will feature a selection of customer favorites, such as fried catfish, jumbo fried shrimp, and po' boy sandwiches. Meanwhile, those who choose to dine inside will have access to the full menu that Sam’s Southern Eatery is famous for.

Signature Southern Comfort Food

Since its founding in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 2008, Sam’s Southern Eatery has built a reputation for serving authentic Southern comfort food made with quality ingredients and traditional recipes. The menu includes popular dishes like fried green tomatoes, fried pickles, crab cakes, chicken wings, and fried oysters, offering a wide variety of flavors that appeal to every palate.

A Growing Presence in Kansas

Emanuel Ashiedu and his brother-in-law Charles Scott have been instrumental in bringing Sam’s Southern Eatery to Kansas. Their first Wichita location opened in early 2024 at the former DeFazio’s space near 29th and Amidon, followed by a second at 6600 W. Central later that year. With each new opening, the popularity of Sam’s Southern Eatery continues to grow, thanks to its commitment to quality and exceptional service.

Plans for Further Expansion

The expansion doesn’t end here — Emanuel Ashiedu is already planning to open another drive-through location on the south side of Wichita. This move will make Sam’s Southern Eatery even more accessible, allowing more residents to enjoy the brand’s signature Southern flavors.

The east-side location is set to open in mid- to late March, offering both the convenience of drive-through service and a complete dine-in experience for fans of Sam’s Southern Eatery.