The Kitchen of Ahhz: Local Flavor Meets Community Spirit Inside Harper’s Flea Market

The Kitchen of Ahhz has officially made its mark in Johnston County, recently recognized as one of the inaugural participants in Smithfield Restaurant Week (October 12–25, 2025). The honor comes as no surprise to anyone who’s stepped inside Harper’s Flea Market and followed the inviting scent of fresh-grilled burgers and hand-rolled burritos to this small but mighty kitchen.

A Veteran-Owned Story Rooted in Passion

Owner Nathan Owensby didn’t take a typical path to restaurant ownership. His journey began in music, touring across the country before serving in the U.S. Army as a 92G chef. After years of cooking for thousands, earning awards, and finding purpose through food, he eventually brought those same values home, opening The Kitchen of Ahhz, a Wizard of Oz–inspired concept built on connection, creativity, and comfort food.

The restaurant first began as a themed food truck before finding its permanent home inside Harper’s Flea Market Mall in Smithfield. It’s now become a favorite stop for market-goers looking for a fresh, locally made meal.

Kitchen of Ahhz Brings New Energy to Harper’s

What sets The Kitchen of Ahhz apart isn’t just the food, it’s the heart behind it. When we spoke with Nathan, he didn’t talk about competition or expansion; he talked about Harper’s Flea Market. The vendors. The families. The visitors who show up every weekend.

His focus is on celebrating the market as a cornerstone of the community and giving people one more reason to come experience it. By serving food made from locally sourced ingredients and drawing new faces through the doors, The Kitchen of Ahhz helps shine a spotlight on the small businesses that make Harper’s such an important part of Smithfield’s story.

The Food That’s Winning Fans

If you’re wondering what to order first, start with the Ahhz Burger, layered with cheese, lettuce, jalapeños, avocado, pickles, and the restaurant’s signature Ahhz Sauce. It’s bold, flavorful, and already building a loyal following among locals.

The Breakfast Burrito is another standout, packed, perfectly seasoned, and the ideal fuel for a morning stroll through Harper’s. Each dish is made fresh to order, and the menu keeps things simple: real ingredients, grilled to perfection, with portions that don’t hold back.

A Growing Local Favorite

Being recognized during Smithfield Restaurant Week is just one more sign that The Kitchen of Ahhz has found its place, not only as a restaurant but as a reflection of what makes Smithfield special. It’s a spot where quality and community come together, grounded in a genuine love for good food and good people.

📍 The Kitchen of Ahhz Inside Harper’s Flea Market Smithfield, North Carolina

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