Favorite south Wichita diner, closed for updates for weeks, is finally ready to reopen

Fans of Fat Ernie’s, the longtime family diner at 2806 S. Hydraulic, have been missing their favorite restaurant.

It’s been closed for remodeling for nearly a month, and although owner James Fincher tried to reopen it late last week, a drain collapsed in the kitchen and he had to close up shop again after only two days.

Now, Fincher said, he’s finally ready to reopen Fat Ernie’s for real. The restaurant, which has operated for 22 years, will be back in business on Friday morning.

“We’re ready to get open, and all of our employees are dying to get back to work,” he said.

Hours will return to 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Fat Ernie’s is closed on Sundays for now because of staffing but Fincher hopes to resume Sunday hours soon, he said.