Wichita restaurant’s last day is May 2. Its building will remain ready to party.
A little more than a month has passed since Solly & Jude’s co-owner Alex Thomas announced that the 2.5-year-old restaurant, which sits just across from Intrust Bank Arena, would soon close.
At the time, he said that the owners hadn’t pinpointed a closing date, and he urged people to get in soon for one last sandwich with a side of tots.
Now, fans of the sandwich shop at 400 S. Emporia have just over a week to squeeze in a final visit. Thomas said that the restaurant will close for good at the end of business on Saturday, May 2.
The space itself, though, won’t go completely dark right away. Thomas said that people looking for places to throw graduation parties can rent the space out. They even can get food from Solly & Jude’s menu catered for the parties (or can bring in food from another food vendor.)
“We may also do some pop-ups with local chefs,” Thomas said.
Those interested in renting the venue can contact the owners at solly&judes@gmail.com
Thomas opened the restaurant in late 2023 along with partners Bruce Rowley, Justin Brown and Paul Drace. But the location never gained traction, Thomas said last month, and with rising food prices, the restaurant could no longer stay afloat.
Named for Thomas’ son, Solomon, and Brown’s son, Judah, the restaurant serves a menu of hot and cold sandwiches plus beef hot dogs and loaded tater tots. It also features a full bar serving craft cocktails.
When Solly & Jude’s first opened, it served lunch and dinner and stayed open until 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. But the owners soon realized that, except for concert nights at Intrust Bank Arena, the arena area was empty in the evenings. They ended dinner service about two years ago.
The hours for Solly & Jude’s through May 2 will be 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.
This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 2:43 PM.
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