Today we’d like to introduce you to Harrison Mitchell.
Hi Harrison, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
smokin H’s meats LLC is a minority owned small business based in Topeka Kansas known for its oak wood smoked meats signature sauces and rubs founded by Harrison B Mitchell Jr the company has grown from a small farmers market operation to a recognized regional brand with products featured in Hy-Vee Apple market and other local retailers the business has become a fixture at community events, catering weddings, and corporate functions, and festivals across Kansas.
Smokin H’s meats Was founded in 2019 after Harrison Mitchell turned his lifelong passion for barbecue into a business with over 30 years of experience in the food service and restaurant industry including years managing a Wendy’s franchise in Topeka, Lawrence, and Kansas City Harrison developed his own line of sauces with real fruit and rubs that became the foundation of Smokin H’s success he started with a single smoker and built a loyal customer base through local farmer’s market and community events the company has since expanded into wholesale partnerships catering contracts and online sales.the business is organized as a Kansas registered limited liability company L l c and is proudly minority owned smokin H’s meats operates from Topeka Kansas serving customers throughout Shawnee County and the surrounding region. the company’s mission is to create high quality small batch barbecue products that celebrate Kansas food tradition while supporting the local economy.
smokin H’s meats has built a strong brand presence through social media, word of mouth marketing, and participation in local events. with more than 1500 followers on Facebook and reoccurring local media coverage, The business benefits from community recognition and consistent engagement.the company sells its signature honey mango and honey peach real fruit barbecue sauces as well as three custom rubs, through regional grocery stores including Hy-Vee Apple Market Harmons Meat Market, Leonard’s Meat Market, and Just Nuts at West Ridge Mall in Topeka. wholesale distribution continues to expand as product demand grows.
the catering side of the business serves a wide range of clients from weddings and galas to corporate events and university gatherings. regular customers include Kansas City state Capitol Kansas State University and community festivals such as the Tulip Festival and Wamego, Raleigh County Fairgrounds events, and Oktoberfest. smokin H’s also sells directly to customers online through Shopify and in person at the Breadbasket Farmer’s Market in Topeka.
community engagement is central to Smokin H’s identity. the business participates in charitable initiatives such as the 1 can 1 kid golf tournament and collaborates with organizations like the Flint Hills breadbasket, black entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills, and Manhattan parks and recreation. Harrison also partners with local vendors, purchasing honey and other ingredients from Kansas suppliers and contracting part time staff from local colleges to help with catering and events.
Harrison B Mitchell Jr founder and CEO of smokin H’s meats, brings decades of experience in restaurant management and food production to the business. after years in the restaurant industry he began experimenting with smoking meats and developing his own sauces and seasonings. his passion for barbecue and entrepreneurship led to the creation of smokin H’s meats,which has grown steadily each year through hard work, production innovation, and a commitment to community relationships. under Harrison’s leadership, smokin H’s meats has achieved placement in major grocery stores, built reliable wholesale and catering contracts, and gain visibility across northeast Kansas.His participation in programs such as the Circle of Community Grant through the Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills reflects his dedication to business growth and community impact. Harrison continues to oversee every aspect of the business, from product development and operations to customer relations and marketing.
smokin H’s meats contributes to the local economy by purchasing from Kansas based vendors and creating contracting job opportunities for young workers and students. the business exemplifies the spirit of community entrepreneurship, partnering with organizations that promote economic inclusion and supporting local events that celebrate diversity and culture. as a minority owned enterprise, smokin H’s serves as an example of resilience and opportunity within Topeka’s growing small business ecosystem.
the company’s outgoing involvement with the black entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills and participation in community fundraisers demonstrates its commitment to giving back each sale and event strengthens community ties and reinvest in the people who make Northeast Kansas thrive.
Smoking ages meats is poised for continued growth and long term success with support from Shawnee County E-community empower loan, the business will gain the resources necessary to expand its reach and improve operations and meet rising demand for its products building sustainably owned businesses that enhance the economic and cultural fabric of Topeka and surrounding region.
And also this work cannot be done without educating yourself I’m also a graduate of the Business Mastery Institute in Kansas City with Donetta L Watson and Kaufman fast track with the black entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills Manhattan Kansas with Sheila Ellis Glasper.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being a an entrepreneur of a minority owned small business is not a smooth road of course there will be obstacles where you will have to shift and pivot in any business. Especially a food business.
of course there are many struggles along the way from staffing to sales, cost, you’re always going to have to constantly make changes in your business because cost of products and supply especially in 2026 changes in community and the rising prices from what’s going on today always shifting so get ready if you’re a beginning entrepreneur in business.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
we specialize in personality smiles and welcome it’s an experience it’s not just good food our smoked foods homemade real fruit sauces and rubs our foods are gluten free no chemicals no high fructose syrup are processed by our company in house processing kitchen our foods are made from scratch not poured out of containers and these are definitely some of the reasons that sets us apart from others.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
so within the next 5 to 10 years I’m estimating to have my sauces and rubs grow in the national market and of course our homemade smoked foods will come along with it staying small but growing at the same time of course changes will come but as long as you stick with your core process make the food right continue to make people smile in all communities that you are involved and also having faith will make your entrepreneurial journey smooth as it can be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.smokinhhh.com
- Instagram: Smokin H’s Meats or hmitchellny
- Facebook: Harrison B. Mitchell Jr. or Smokin H’s Meats
