Sam’s Southern Eatery Expands with Drive-Through Location in East Wichita

A Fresh Take on Southern Dining

Sam’s Southern Eatery is set to open its third Wichita location, bringing a unique twist to its expansion. Emanuel Ashiedu, a software engineer from Salina, announced that the new restaurant will be located at 6121 E. 21st St. This building, which began as a Long John Silver’s in the 1980s and later became Clouds — a daiquiri lounge turned Mediterranean restaurant — will soon serve Sam’s signature Southern comfort food.

Introducing Drive-Through Service

For the first time in Wichita, Sam’s Southern Eatery will feature a drive-through service. Although the new location will be smaller than the other two, Ashiedu sees this as an opportunity to offer more convenience. Drive-through customers will enjoy a limited menu with favorites like fried catfish, jumbo fried shrimp, and po' boy sandwiches, while dine-in guests will have access to the full menu.

Classic Southern Flavors

Established in 2008 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Sam’s Southern Eatery is known for its rich and flavorful Southern-style comfort food. The menu includes popular items like fried green tomatoes, fried pickles, crab cakes, chicken wings, and fried oysters.

Growing Presence in Kansas

Ashiedu and his brother-in-law, Charles Scott, have been steadily expanding the brand in Kansas. They opened their first Wichita location in early 2024 at the former DeFazio’s space near 29th and Amidon, followed by a second at 6600 W. Central later that year.

Future Expansion Plans

The growth doesn’t stop here — Ashiedu plans to open another drive-through location on Wichita’s south side, continuing to make Sam’s Southern flavors more accessible.

The east-side location is expected to open in mid- to late March, offering both the convenience of drive-through service and a complete dine-in experience.