Longtime Wichita restaurant owner known for his comfort food specials has died at age 59
A longtime Wichita restaurant owner who was known for his giving personality and giant plates of home-cooked goodness has died.
Ernie Fincher, the owner of Fat Ernie’s Family Dining at 2806 S. Hydraulic, died on Thursday morning, said his son, James Fincher. He had been undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer and had suffered two strokes over the past week.
He was 59.
Earlier this week, James Fincher had outlined his father’s health issues when talking about a GoFundMe campaign he had set up to help raise money for medical expenses. The campaign, which has been live for three days, has raised almost $12,500 so far.
Ernie Fincher started working in Wichita restaurants in the late 1970s, taking his first job at a truck stop in Salina, his son said. In 2000, he was working at a restaurant at Hydraulic and Wassall called Southern Pines. When it closed, he decided to take it over and open it as a place that would sell big plates of comfort food. He named it after himself.
Over the years, the restaurant has become known for its fried chicken, catfish, burgers, pies and blue plate specials.
Ernie Fincher expanded the restaurant in 2008, taking over the space next door and adding another dining room. He was always a presence at the restaurant and had many loyal customers.
James Fincher said he wanted to thank the Wichita community for its support since news of his father’s illness became public.
“He taught me a lot of good things,” said James Fincher, who works at Fat Erine’s and said he plans to keep the restaurant going.
Ernie Fincher is survived by his wife, Cindy Fincher; his son, James Fincher; his mother, Joann Fincher; his daughter Nakeya Reed; and his grandsons Marshall Fincher, Scott Naillieux and Shawn Naillieux.
This story was originally published October 10, 2019 at 5:14 PM.
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