Who Is Rishia Haas? Life Story of Andrew Zimmern’s Former Wife

When people hear the name Rishia Haas, many immediately connect her to her former husband, Andrew Zimmern, the world-renowned chef and host of the hit television series Bizarre Foods. While her marriage to Zimmern brought her into the public eye, her story stretches far beyond being a celebrity’s wife. Rishia Haas is a woman of strength, compassion, and resilience. She has built her own path through meaningful work, family devotion, and personal passions. In this article, we will explore the full story of Rishia Haas—from her early life and career to her marriage, divorce, and the peaceful life she leads today.

Quick Bio Information

Full Name: Rishia Haas
Date Of Birth: July 29, 1973
Age (As Of 2025): 51 Years Old
Place Of Birth: Champlin, Minnesota, USA
Current Residence: Edina, Minnesota, USA
Nationality: American
Education: Anoka High School, Augsburg College
Occupation: Administrative Assistant, Beekeeper
Known For: Former Wife Of Chef Andrew Zimmern
Children: One Son, Noah Zimmern
Estimated Net Worth: Around $3 Million

Early Life And Family Background

Rishia Haas was born on July 29, 1973, in Champlin, Minnesota. She grew up in a warm, supportive family that instilled in her strong values of kindness, humility, and perseverance. Her parents, Robert and Karen Haas, were devoted to raising their children with a focus on education and community. Alongside her siblings, Jennifer and John, Rishia experienced a childhood filled with encouragement, close family bonds, and a sense of responsibility. These early experiences shaped the thoughtful and grounded person she became, preparing her for a life that would later combine quiet strength with compassion for others.

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Education And Academic Journey

Education played a central role in Rishia’s upbringing. She attended Anoka High School, where she was known for her hardworking and caring nature. After completing high school, she went on to Augsburg College in Minneapolis. Her college years helped her develop not only academic skills but also a clear understanding of service and commitment to others. Unlike those drawn to fame, Rishia preferred to stay behind the scenes, choosing paths that allowed her to support and uplift people around her. Her studies laid the foundation for the meaningful career she would later pursue in healthcare and recovery services.

Career Path: From Administrative Roles To Beekeeping

Rishia Haas’s professional life has always reflected her commitment to helping others. Early in her career, she worked in administrative positions at cooking schools, where her organizational skills stood out. Her career took a more meaningful turn when she became an Admissions Coordinator at The Retreat, a respected rehabilitation center in Minnesota. Here, she helped individuals battling alcohol and drug addiction find a path toward recovery. Later, she joined the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, one of the most renowned addiction treatment organizations in the United States. Her work there highlighted her empathy, patience, and dedication.

In recent years, Rishia found a new passion in beekeeping. She became involved with the University of Minnesota Bee Lab, dedicating time to studying bees and contributing to conservation efforts. This unique career shift reflects her love for nature and her ability to find peace and purpose in life’s quieter pursuits.

Meeting Andrew Zimmern: How Their Story Began

The story of Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern began in 1999 in Minneapolis. At the time, Andrew was teaching at a cooking school, and Rishia worked in the store connected to the school. Their meeting was simple, natural, and unplanned, but it quickly grew into something meaningful. Andrew was rebuilding his life after overcoming addiction and homelessness, and Rishia’s background in healthcare and recovery gave her unique insight into his struggles. Their connection was built on mutual understanding, shared interests, and emotional support. Despite their twenty-year age difference, they found common ground and started a journey that would soon lead to marriage.

Who Is Andrew Zimmern?

For those less familiar, Andrew Zimmern is a chef, television personality, writer, and teacher, best known for hosting Bizarre Foods. His career is marked by adventure, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace global cultures through food. However, before his fame, Andrew endured a difficult period of homelessness and severe addiction. With determination and the support of others, he rebuilt his life and went on to become one of the most recognized food experts on television. His relationship with Rishia came during a pivotal time in his recovery, and her steady presence played an important role in his personal and professional growth.

Marriage And Family Life

Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern married in 2002 in a private ceremony. The couple welcomed their only son, Noah, in 2005. While Andrew’s career began to soar, taking him around the globe for television projects, Rishia focused on maintaining stability at home. She prioritized raising Noah and balancing her own career while supporting Andrew during his demanding schedule. Despite Andrew’s growing fame, Rishia remained grounded, choosing privacy over the spotlight. Her role as a wife and mother reflected her dedication to family values, even while the challenges of a public life surrounded them.

Life As Andrew Zimmern’s Wife

Being married to a celebrity chef was not always easy. Andrew’s career required frequent travel, long filming schedules, and constant public attention. For Rishia, this meant managing home life largely on her own while providing ongoing support for Andrew. Her experience with addiction recovery also meant she understood the emotional and health challenges Andrew faced. Though she often stayed out of the media, she played a vital behind-the-scenes role in helping Andrew maintain balance. Her decision to remain private was deliberate, reflecting her preference for a grounded life over the allure of fame.

Divorce And Separation

After sixteen years of marriage, Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern separated in 2018. The main reasons included Andrew’s demanding career, the strains of constant travel, and the difficulty of maintaining a close relationship under such circumstances. Andrew himself has spoken about how his busy schedule and personal challenges impacted their marriage. The divorce was handled respectfully and quietly, without public drama. Both Rishia and Andrew remained committed to co-parenting Noah, focusing on his well-being above all else.

Life After Divorce: Finding Peace And Purpose

Following the divorce, Rishia chose a path of peace and independence. She continues to live in Edina, Minnesota, where she enjoys a private and modest lifestyle. Her passion for beekeeping allows her to connect with nature, while her daily life is filled with family activities, cooking, gardening, and time with Noah. With an estimated net worth of around $3 million, she lives comfortably but without seeking extravagance. Her life today reflects her resilience, her preference for simplicity, and her commitment to values that matter most—family, wellness, and meaningful work.

Rishia Haas’s Relationship With Her Son Noah

One of the most important roles in Rishia’s life is being a mother to Noah Zimmern. Born in 2005, Noah has grown up with the love and support of both parents, even after their divorce. Rishia has focused on giving him a stable, nurturing environment away from the pressures of fame. She and Andrew work together as co-parents, ensuring Noah experiences a healthy and balanced upbringing. For Rishia, being a mother has always been central to her identity, and she continues to prioritize Noah’s happiness and growth above all else.

What Is Rishia Haas Doing Now?

As of 2025, Rishia Haas remains true to her preference for a private and calm life. She is actively involved in beekeeping and environmental work, reflecting her passion for sustainability and natural living. She avoids social media and rarely makes public appearances, choosing instead to focus on family, home life, and personal wellness. Her story today is less about public recognition and more about the quiet joys of living authentically.

Net Worth And Lifestyle

Rishia Haas has an estimated net worth of about $3 million. This comes from her years of work in healthcare, her administrative career, and her financial settlement from her marriage to Andrew Zimmern. Despite her financial security, she lives modestly in Minnesota, preferring comfort and stability over extravagance. Her lifestyle choices emphasize simplicity, sustainability, and a focus on personal happiness rather than public approval.

Conclusion

Rishia Haas may not be a household name, but her life is full of lessons in strength, resilience, and the value of staying true to oneself. From her early years in Minnesota to her meaningful work in recovery services, her marriage to Andrew Zimmern, and her journey after divorce, she has shown remarkable grace. Her dedication to family, her love for nature, and her preference for privacy set her apart in a world often dominated by fame and attention. Rishia Haas’s story reminds us that fulfillment is not always found in the spotlight but often in the quiet, steady moments of everyday life.

FAQs About Rishia Haas

Who Is Rishia Haas?
Rishia Haas is best known as the former wife of celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern. She is also a professional who has worked in healthcare and addiction recovery and is now passionate about beekeeping.

How Old Is Rishia Haas?
She was born on July 29, 1973, which makes her 51 years old in 2025.

Does Rishia Haas Have Any Children?
Yes, she has one son, Noah Zimmern, who was born in 2005.

What Does Rishia Haas Do For A Living?
She has worked as an administrative assistant and in addiction recovery services. Today, she is involved in beekeeping with the University of Minnesota Bee Lab.

Where Does Rishia Haas Live?
She lives in Edina, Minnesota, where she enjoys a private and peaceful lifestyle.

Is Rishia Haas Remarried?
No, she has not remarried since her divorce from Andrew Zimmern in 2018.

What Is Rishia Haas’s Net Worth?
Her estimated net worth is around $3 million, coming from her career earnings and her divorce settlement.