Hearth and Herron: A Flavorful New Fire in Downtown Hendersonville
If you’re looking for unforgettable flavors, artisan technique, and a dash of local nostalgia, fire up your curiosity and head over to Hearth and Herron in downtown Hendersonville. Opened in July 2025 by culinary power couple Bradley and Marisa Herron, this newest addition to the growing downtown foodie scene shines with authenticity, creativity, and smoky wood-fired perfection.
Set in a former Pure Oil Company station—later remembered by many locals as the Chicken Shack—the new restaurant artfully merges historic roots with a reimagined menu featuring globally inspired dishes. For anyone moving to Hendersonville or exploring what it’s like living in Hendersonville, this gem on 7th Avenue is already becoming essential dining.
A Passion for Global Flavors and Local Ingredients
Bradley Herron isn’t new to the culinary world. Having launched and managed top-tier kitchens from Europe to the Caribbean—and even aboard cruise ships—he brings not only impressive skill but also a globe-trotting palate. Now calling Hendersonville home, he and Marisa are channeling their decades of restaurant experience into their very first independent concept.
The result? A menu that rotates daily, guided by what’s local and in-season. You’ll discover flavor combinations drawn from Southern California, Asia, Mexico, and the Middle East, all lightly infused with the Italian-American roots Bradley grew up with.
Current dishes include:
- Wood-fired lamb leg with rosemary, garlic, and rustic potatoes
- Charred eggplant with harissa, yogurt, and fresh cilantro
- Peach salad with feta and za’atar seasoning
- Burrata with tomatoes and arugula pesto
The centerpiece of the restaurant is, fittingly, their blazing red mosaic-tiled, wood-fired oven reaching up to 900 degrees. It doesn’t just cook—it transforms. From pizza crusts kissed with char to a decadent layered cookie crumb and chocolate pudding pie, this oven unlocks depth and drama in every bite.
Family Feel, Fine Flavors
Step inside, and you’ll immediately notice an atmosphere that’s warm yet refined. Hearth and Herron offers a cozy, intimate scale where each detail—from ingredient selection to menu writing—is personally curated. The Herrons post their daily menu to their Instagram page around 3 p.m. each day, perfect for locals and visitors to plan their evening meal.
Bradley’s guiding culinary philosophy is refreshingly straightforward: “Get fresh ingredients, don’t put too many things in it, try to do as much from scratch, and make it not too fussy.” That intention shines throughout their seasonal selections and minimal-frills plating. It’s approachable gourmet dining—with soul.
Nods to Hendersonville History
Hearth and Herron also pays homage to the past. The location’s legacy as the Chicken Shack lives on in updated plates of fried chicken—a clever and comforting nod that’s already won over longtime residents. Some even say it’s better than the original.
Chef Herron’s deep respect for history, collaboration with local growers, and innovative edge make this restaurant a microcosm of what it’s like living in Hendersonville—a balance of tradition and transformation.
Hours and Details
Ready to eat? Hearth and Herron is open Wednesday through Sunday with the following hours:
- Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: 7th Avenue East, Downtown Hendersonville, NC
Stay up to date with their latest dishes and announcements via their Instagram page.
Why This Matters for Locals and Newcomers Alike
Whether you’re looking for cozy date night spots or guiding visiting friends through the best places to eat after a move to Hendersonville, Hearth and Herron deserves a top spot. Its commitment to community-sourced ingredients and family-style hospitality makes it a place that locals can be proud of—and newcomers can instantly fall in love with.
It’s these kinds of meaningful, locally rooted experiences that light the way for people who relocate to Hendersonville seeking not just beauty and mountain charm, but connection and culture too. And with more new restaurants, breweries, and boutique shops popping up in our neighborhoods, downtown continues to be a reason to love living here.
Explore More
Looking for more things to do in Hendersonville, from hidden haunts to culinary hotspots? Check out this guide to the region’s top food and drink destinations.
And if you’re fresh off the moving van or planning the big leap soon, dive into how the culture, community, and natural charm make this area worth uprooting for.
So next time you’re strolling through Hendersonville, let your senses lead you to the warm glow of wood-fired magic at Hearth and Herron—a flavorful new favorite that’s already heating up the local food scene.