Sam’s Southern Eatery to Open Third Wichita Location with Drive-Through Option

A New Location with a Unique Twist

Wichita is set to welcome its third Sam’s Southern Eatery, and this time, there’s a fresh twist. Emanuel Ashiedu, a software engineer from Salina, announced that the new restaurant will open at 6121 E. 21st St. This building, originally a Long John Silver’s in the 1980s and most recently home to Clouds — a daiquiri lounge turned Mediterranean restaurant — will soon serve up Sam’s well-loved Southern comfort food.

Introducing a Drive-Through Service

This will be the first Sam’s Southern Eatery location in Wichita to feature a drive-through. Although the restaurant will be smaller than the other two Wichita locations, Ashiedu is excited to test the drive-through model’s efficiency. Customers using the drive-through will enjoy a limited menu featuring popular items like fried catfish, jumbo fried shrimp, and po’ boy sandwiches, while those dining inside can access the full menu.

Classic Southern Cuisine

Founded in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 2008, Sam’s Southern Eatery has gained a strong following for its authentic Southern-style comfort food. The menu includes fan favorites like fried green tomatoes, fried pickles, crab cakes, chicken wings, and fried oysters.

Growing the Brand in Kansas

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

Plans for Future Expansion

Ashiedu isn’t stopping here — he’s already scouting locations on Wichita’s south side for another drive-through restaurant, aiming to make Sam’s Southern comfort food even more accessible.

Set to open in mid- to late March, this east-side location promises both the convenience of a drive-through and a complete dine-in experience.