Central Kansas now has a new spot for Southern cuisine, thanks to the recent arrival of Sam’s Southern Eatery in both Salina and Hutchinson. Known for bringing Louisiana’s distinctive flavors to towns across the U.S., Sam’s Southern Eatery is making waves in central Kansas, serving up an impressive variety of dishes—from po’boys and fried catfish to hushpuppies and okra.
Sam’s Southern Eatery, originally founded in 2008, has steadily expanded to over 12 states, gaining a loyal following with its authentic Southern menu and warm, family-friendly atmosphere. The franchise recently celebrated the opening of its new location in Salina on March 20, while its Hutchinson branch came under new management late last summer. These changes have reinvigorated Sam’s reputation, bringing excitement and steady customer traffic to both Kansas towns.
For locals, Sam’s Southern Eatery brings a unique twist on casual dining. The restaurant offers a selection of fried seafood platters, Southern-style sides, and its famous po’boys, sandwiches that originated in New Orleans but are quickly becoming beloved far beyond Louisiana. For customers seeking variety, Sam’s also offers items like fried liver, fried pickles, and tilapia—traditional Southern staples that make the menu truly stand out.
“We clean the fryers each day, so it’s not greasy,” says Mahmoud Bayatena, the manager at the Hutchinson location. Cleanliness, he believes, is key to providing quality dishes, especially for fried foods. Though the full recipe is a secret, Bayatena shares that each dish is coated in Sam’s signature batter, a blend of cornmeal and a selection of special spices. “Customers just love it,” he says. “They keep coming back for more.”
The secret to Sam’s Southern Eatery’s popularity may be its approach to both food and customer service. Emanuel Ashiedu, a software engineer based in Salina, was first introduced to the franchise through a family connection. His brother-in-law, already familiar with Sam’s reputation, suggested bringing a franchise to Salina. Ashiedu was initially intrigued, but it wasn’t until he tried the food himself that he felt inspired to take action.
“The food is amazing,” Ashiedu says, recounting his initial visit. “We have a custom-made recipe called Sam’s breading that really makes it special.” With his brother-in-law as a partner, Ashiedu spent months training, conducting market research, and refurbishing a space at 122 W. Crawford St. in Salina. When they finally opened their doors in late March, they were met with an enthusiastic reception from the community.
Since its grand opening, the Salina location has enjoyed a steady stream of customers, many of whom are already repeat diners. “The turnout has been great,” says Ashiedu. “What’s amazing is that we’re seeing the same people come back again and again. The people who came in on our first day are still coming back each day, which says a lot about the quality of our food and the community’s support.”
The menu at Sam’s Southern Eatery is extensive, appealing to a wide range of tastes. Alongside the seafood platters and po’boys, diners can find options like oysters, crab, chicken wings, and fried green tomatoes. Sam’s also serves large family-style platters for sharing, as well as a kid’s menu featuring shrimp, chicken strips, and grilled cheese, making it a family-friendly option for locals.
“We come here almost once a week,” says Daryl Adams, a regular customer at the Hutchinson branch. Adams visits Sam’s with his wife, Kaya, and says the restaurant’s fresh food and generous portions keep them coming back. “Everything is always fresh,” Adams explains. “The portions are so large; we often split it.”
Diners appreciate Sam’s value-driven pricing as well. With hamburgers starting at just $8 and a 12-piece fish dinner available for around $30, the restaurant offers substantial portions at reasonable prices, adding to its appeal among locals. “It’s fantastic,” Adams says. “Not only is the food great, but the prices make it really accessible.”
Ashiedu, who owns and operates other businesses in Salina with his wife Wannakei, including a foster youth residential emergency shelter and the Salina Code Academy, is deeply committed to serving his community. He says the reception for Sam’s Southern Eatery has been overwhelmingly positive. “People really appreciate the good food, and they appreciate that we’re a small business,” he notes. “The support has just been amazing. We appreciate the town of Salina and the way the community has embraced us.”
Running a small business requires dedication, and Ashiedu and his team take pride in ensuring each customer has an excellent experience. The restaurant has developed a loyal customer base, and the community’s encouragement has motivated Ashiedu to consider expanding further. If all goes well, he plans to open an additional location in Salina next year. “Once we have everything set here and running smoothly, we’ll try to open another one,” he says. “The people here are just awesome, supporting local businesses and owners.”
Sam’s Southern Eatery brings not only a unique flavor profile but also a piece of Louisiana’s culture and warmth to central Kansas. Dining at Sam’s is about more than just the food; it’s about the atmosphere and the experience, something Ashiedu and his team take seriously. In a state like Kansas, where Southern-style seafood is relatively rare, Sam’s has created a destination for those craving an authentic taste of the South.
Beyond Kansas and Louisiana, Sam’s Southern Eatery has locations in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. This growing presence across the Midwest and South demonstrates the chain’s ability to appeal to a diverse array of customers, all while staying true to its roots in Southern cuisine. Each location reflects the unique needs of its community, and Sam’s is committed to serving every diner a meal that’s both high-quality and rooted in tradition.
For customers, Sam’s Southern Eatery offers a unique dining experience that combines quality ingredients, generous portions, and a distinct Southern charm. Whether it’s the famous po’boy, the crispy fried catfish, or the variety of sides like hushpuppies and fried green tomatoes, each dish at Sam’s is crafted to deliver both flavor and satisfaction.
The success of Sam’s Southern Eatery in Hutchinson and Salina is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality and its connection with the community. For Bayatena, Ashiedu, and their teams, this isn’t just a business; it’s an opportunity to share a piece of Louisiana’s culinary heritage with central Kansas. And with the continued support of loyal customers, Sam’s Southern Eatery looks forward to bringing even more Southern flair to the region in the coming years.
