My dog is scared of my kitchen?

I got a miniature Jack Russell a few days ago.He is a really quiet dog.He was mistreated while he was younger and I rescued him from my local animal welfare.He walks around my house fine but not the kitchen.He stops at the edge of it and just stares at me.He is scared to come into int and I don't know why.I have to carry him through it.Why is he scared and what can I do about it?