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Wichita’s 6600 W. Central is preparing for the return of Sam’s Southern Eatery, a popular Southern cuisine franchise, under the leadership of Emanuel Ashiedu. The location, which previously hosted Sam’s in early 2020, is getting a second chance with Ashiedu and his brother-in-law, Charles Scott, who are seasoned franchisees with a strong presence in Kansas.

Ashiedu, who already operates Sam’s Southern Eatery locations at 2706 N. Amidon in Wichita, as well as in Hutchinson and Salina, plans to open this latest venture within weeks. Unlike the previous iteration of Sam’s at this address, which closed due to challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the new restaurant will occupy a smaller, east-side section of the building, creating a cozier and more intimate space for diners.

A Space with History

The building at 6600 W. Central has a storied history, having housed several restaurants over the years. In 2020, a different franchisee operated Sam’s Southern Eatery on the west-side section of the building, best known as the former home of Marco’s Cantina. Unfortunately, the restaurant closed by the end of the same year, citing the pandemic and its economic impact as significant hurdles.

The east-side section of the building, where Ashiedu’s new Sam’s Southern Eatery will operate, is a smaller space that offers seating for 30 to 40 diners indoors and features a large front patio for outdoor dining. The location was once home to the Green Olive restaurant and was briefly slated to become Mama Deaux Southern Kitchen, a concept by the building’s owner, Sam Eddine. However, staffing challenges prevented that project from launching, paving the way for Ashiedu and Scott to take over the lease.

A Refined Dining Experience

The new Sam’s Southern Eatery at 6600 W. Central will offer a slightly scaled-down menu compared to the larger Amidon location. However, diners can still expect the franchise’s hallmark dishes, including fried catfish, shrimp, Po’ Boy sandwiches, fried green tomatoes, chicken wings, crab cakes, and fried oysters. The focus will be on delivering the same quality and flavor that has earned the brand a loyal following.

Ashiedu aims to create a dining experience that combines Southern comfort food with a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant’s patio space will provide an additional draw for customers looking to enjoy outdoor dining options.

Building on Proven Success

The decision to revive Sam’s Southern Eatery at 6600 W. Central reflects Ashiedu and Scott’s confidence in the franchise and their ability to succeed where others have faced challenges. Their Amidon location has thrived since its opening earlier this year, occupying the former DeFazio’s space and quickly becoming a local favorite.

Ashiedu’s approach to managing the franchise has been marked by a focus on consistency, customer satisfaction, and a commitment to building community connections. These principles have guided the success of his existing locations in Wichita, Hutchinson, and Salina.

Expanding the Franchise

The reopening of the Central Avenue location is just one step in Ashiedu and Scott’s broader plans for growth. They have expressed a strong interest in expanding Sam’s Southern Eatery to the east side of Wichita, where they believe there is untapped potential for the franchise’s unique offerings.

“When we find the right building, we’ll definitely be out there,” Ashiedu said, signaling his intention to continue growing the brand’s footprint in the city.

A Southern Legacy

Sam’s Southern Eatery began in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 2008 and has since grown to over 50 locations nationwide. The franchise is known for its generous portions, affordable prices, and authentic Southern flavors. With a menu that celebrates fresh seafood and classic Southern dishes, the restaurant has carved out a niche in the competitive dining market.

From fried green tomatoes to hearty Po’ Boy sandwiches, Sam’s Southern Eatery offers a taste of the South that appeals to a broad audience. Its emphasis on quality ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere has made it a go-to destination for comfort food lovers.

Looking Ahead

The return of Sam’s Southern Eatery to 6600 W. Central represents more than just the reopening of a restaurant—it’s a symbol of resilience and determination. With Ashiedu’s leadership and a clear vision for the future, the new location is poised to thrive despite the challenges associated with the building’s past.

As Ashiedu continues to expand the franchise’s presence in Kansas, he remains focused on delivering exceptional food and service. The combination of a strong franchise model and Ashiedu’s hands-on approach ensures that Sam’s Southern Eatery will remain a cherished dining option for years to come.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Southern comfort food or a first-time visitor, the new Sam’s Southern Eatery at 6600 W. Central promises to offer an unforgettable experience. Wichita diners can look forward to enjoying the franchise’s signature dishes in a fresh and inviting setting.

With plans for further expansion on Wichita’s east side and beyond, Ashiedu and Scott are committed to making Sam’s Southern Eatery a cornerstone of the local dining scene.


From fried shrimp and catfish to okra and hushpuppies, Sam's Southern Eatery in Hutchinson and Salina serves up authentic Southern cuisine in central Kansas.

Sam's opened in Salina on March 20 and reopened under new management in Hutchinson late last summer. Since 2008, this Louisiana-based chain, now with locations in 12 states, has introduced the famous po'boy sandwich to diners far beyond the South.


Classic Southern offerings also include fried liver, pickles, and tilapia.


“We clean the fryers each day, so it’s not greasy,” says Bayatena. Though the recipe is secret, he shares that the batter includes cornmeal and special spices. 


“Customers just love it. They keep coming back for more.”

Emanuel Ashiedu, a software engineer from Salina, first heard about Sam’s from his brother-in-law. Together, they decided to bring something unique to Salina. Once Ashiedu tasted the food, he was convinced.


“The food is amazing,” he says. “We have a custom-made recipe that is called Sam’s breading.” After months of training, conducting research, and refurbishing a location, Sam's Southern Eatery opened in late March at 122 W. Crawford St. in Salina.

Since opening, the restaurant has enjoyed a steady clientele.


“The turnout has been great, and what’s amazing is they’re repeat customers,” Ashiedu says. “The same people who came on the first day still come in every day.”


The menu boasts oysters, crab, chicken wings, and fried green tomatoes. In addition to lunch and dinner plates, the fast-food restaurant offers large family platters and a kid-friendly selection of shrimp, chicken strips, and grilled cheese.


"We come here almost once a week," says Daryl Adams of Hutchinson. 


“Everything is always fresh.” Adams, who frequents the Hutchinson location with his wife Kaya, praises the price and quantity, with hamburgers starting at $8 and a 12-piece fish dinner for around $30.


“It’s fantastic,” he says. “The portions are so large; we often split it.”

Ashiedu, who owns a foster youth residential emergency shelter and the Salina Code Academy with his wife Wannakei, is thrilled with the response to the restaurant.


“People really appreciate the good food, and they appreciate that we’re a small business,” he says. “The support has been amazing. We appreciate the town of Salina.”


If all goes well, Ashiedu plans to open a new location in Salina next year. “Once we have everything set here, we’ll try to open another one,” he says. “The people here are just awesome, supporting local businesses and owners.”


In addition to Kansas and Louisiana, Sam’s Southern Eatery has locations in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas.

In today's dynamic marketing landscape, businesses must continually innovate to capture the attention of their target audience. One of the most effective strategies for creating a memorable brand presence is through the use of pop-up and exhibition stands. These portable, customizable displays provide an engaging way for brands to interact with potential customers and make a lasting impression. Here’s a detailed look at the significance, benefits, and trends of pop-up and exhibition stands in modern marketing.The Evolution of Pop-Up and Exhibition Stands

Popup stand and Exhibition stand have come a long way from basic, static displays. Traditionally, these stands served merely as information booths, but modern designs have evolved to incorporate interactive elements, high-quality graphics, and modular capabilities. This evolution reflects the changing needs of businesses and the increasing demands of consumers for engaging and interactive experiences.

Key Benefits of Pop-Up and Exhibition Stands

1. Enhanced Brand Visibility Pop-up and exhibition stands are designed to be visually striking and eye-catching. With high-quality graphics, lighting, and interactive elements, these stands draw attention and make your brand stand out in a crowded environment. This visibility is crucial for brand recognition and recall.

2. Flexibility and Customization One of the greatest advantages of modern pop-up and exhibition stands is their flexibility. Businesses can choose from a variety of designs, sizes, and configurations to suit different events and spaces. Customization options allow for the integration of brand-specific colors, logos, and messaging, ensuring that each stand aligns perfectly with the brand's identity.

3. Portability and Ease of Use Modern stands are designed for ease of assembly and portability. Lightweight materials and tool-free assembly options mean that setting up and dismantling the stands is quick and hassle-free. This portability is especially beneficial for businesses that participate in multiple events throughout the year.

4. Cost-Effectiveness Investing in a high-quality pop-up or exhibition stand can be more cost-effective in the long run. Reusable and durable, these stands can be used for multiple events, providing a high return on investment. Additionally, the ability to reconfigure modular stands for different setups can save money on purchasing multiple displays.

5. Enhanced Engagement Interactive elements such as touchscreens, virtual reality, and augmented reality can be integrated into pop-up and exhibition stands to create an immersive experience for visitors. These elements not only attract more foot traffic but also engage visitors, providing them with a memorable experience that increases the likelihood of brand retention.

Trends in Pop-Up and Exhibition Stands

1. Sustainability As environmental concerns become increasingly important, there is a growing trend towards sustainable exhibition stands. Brands are opting for eco-friendly materials and production processes to minimize their environmental impact. Reusable components and modular designs also contribute to sustainability by reducing waste.

2. Technology Integration The integration of technology is a significant trend in the design of pop-up and exhibition stands. Interactive touchscreens, social media walls, live streaming, and virtual product demonstrations are becoming common features. These technologies enhance visitor engagement and provide valuable data on visitor interactions.

3. Minimalist Designs Simplicity and elegance are becoming popular in exhibition stand design. Minimalist stands with clean lines, open spaces, and strategic use of lighting create a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere. This design approach helps to avoid clutter and makes the stand more inviting.

4. Multi-Functional Spaces Exhibition stands are increasingly being designed as multi-functional spaces that can serve various purposes, such as meeting areas, product demonstration zones, and social media interaction points. This versatility allows businesses to maximize the utility of their stand space and cater to different visitor needs.

Conclusion

Pop-up and exhibition stands are powerful tools in the arsenal of modern marketers. They offer unparalleled opportunities for brand visibility, engagement, and interaction in a variety of settings. With their flexibility, customization options, and integration of technology, these stands can help businesses create memorable experiences that resonate with their target audience. As trends continue to evolve, staying ahead with innovative and sustainable stand designs will be crucial for businesses looking to make a significant impact at events and exhibitions.

In today's dynamic marketing landscape, businesses must continually innovate to capture the attention of their target audience. One of the most effective strategies for creating a memorable brand presence is through the use of pop-up and exhibition stands. These portable, customizable displays provide an engaging way for brands to interact with potential customers and make a lasting impression. Here’s a detailed look at the significance, benefits, and trends of pop-up and exhibition stands in modern marketing.The Evolution of Pop-Up and Exhibition Stands

Popup stand and Exhibition stand have come a long way from basic, static displays. Traditionally, these stands served merely as information booths, but modern designs have evolved to incorporate interactive elements, high-quality graphics, and modular capabilities. This evolution reflects the changing needs of businesses and the increasing demands of consumers for engaging and interactive experiences.

Key Benefits of Pop-Up and Exhibition Stands

1. Enhanced Brand Visibility Pop-up and exhibition stands are designed to be visually striking and eye-catching. With high-quality graphics, lighting, and interactive elements, these stands draw attention and make your brand stand out in a crowded environment. This visibility is crucial for brand recognition and recall.

2. Flexibility and Customization One of the greatest advantages of modern pop-up and exhibition stands is their flexibility. Businesses can choose from a variety of designs, sizes, and configurations to suit different events and spaces. Customization options allow for the integration of brand-specific colors, logos, and messaging, ensuring that each stand aligns perfectly with the brand's identity.

3. Portability and Ease of Use Modern stands are designed for ease of assembly and portability. Lightweight materials and tool-free assembly options mean that setting up and dismantling the stands is quick and hassle-free. This portability is especially beneficial for businesses that participate in multiple events throughout the year.

4. Cost-Effectiveness Investing in a high-quality pop-up or exhibition stand can be more cost-effective in the long run. Reusable and durable, these stands can be used for multiple events, providing a high return on investment. Additionally, the ability to reconfigure modular stands for different setups can save money on purchasing multiple displays.

5. Enhanced Engagement Interactive elements such as touchscreens, virtual reality, and augmented reality can be integrated into pop-up and exhibition stands to create an immersive experience for visitors. These elements not only attract more foot traffic but also engage visitors, providing them with a memorable experience that increases the likelihood of brand retention.

Trends in Pop-Up and Exhibition Stands

1. Sustainability As environmental concerns become increasingly important, there is a growing trend towards sustainable exhibition stands. Brands are opting for eco-friendly materials and production processes to minimize their environmental impact. Reusable components and modular designs also contribute to sustainability by reducing waste.

2. Technology Integration The integration of technology is a significant trend in the design of pop-up and exhibition stands. Interactive touchscreens, social media walls, live streaming, and virtual product demonstrations are becoming common features. These technologies enhance visitor engagement and provide valuable data on visitor interactions.

3. Minimalist Designs Simplicity and elegance are becoming popular in exhibition stand design. Minimalist stands with clean lines, open spaces, and strategic use of lighting create a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere. This design approach helps to avoid clutter and makes the stand more inviting.

4. Multi-Functional Spaces Exhibition stands are increasingly being designed as multi-functional spaces that can serve various purposes, such as meeting areas, product demonstration zones, and social media interaction points. This versatility allows businesses to maximize the utility of their stand space and cater to different visitor needs.

Conclusion

Pop-up and exhibition stands are powerful tools in the arsenal of modern marketers. They offer unparalleled opportunities for brand visibility, engagement, and interaction in a variety of settings. With their flexibility, customization options, and integration of technology, these stands can help businesses create memorable experiences that resonate with their target audience. As trends continue to evolve, staying ahead with innovative and sustainable stand designs will be crucial for businesses looking to make a significant impact at events and exhibitions.