When people hear the name Andrew Zimmern, they often think of adventurous dishes, faraway travel, and the hit television series Bizarre Foods. But behind his success is a woman whose story deserves recognition in its own right—Rishia Haas. Known as Andrew Zimmern’s ex-wife, Rishia has lived a life defined not by the spotlight but by kindness, resilience, and meaningful contributions. From her Minnesota roots to her career in addiction recovery and her quiet passion for beekeeping, her journey is filled with substance and inspiration. This article takes an in-depth look at who Rishia Haas is, her background, her relationship with Zimmern, and the 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
Height: 5 Feet 5 Inches (165 cm)
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 nurturing home with her parents Robert and Karen Haas, who instilled in her a sense of family and responsibility. She was raised alongside her siblings, Jennifer and John, in a close-knit environment where love and encouragement were part of everyday life. Unlike many who seek attention in the media, Rishia’s early years were simple and grounded. She attended Anoka High School before pursuing higher education at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, where she completed her bachelor’s degree. These years shaped her into someone compassionate and resilient, traits that later became central to both her personal and professional journey.
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Education And Personal Growth
Education played an important role in Haas’s life. While details about her specific field of study remain private, it is clear that her time at Augsburg College prepared her for careers rooted in service and support. She never pursued fame or public attention but instead gravitated toward meaningful work where she could make a difference in people’s lives. This outlook not only defined her career but also influenced the kind of partner she became in her marriage to Andrew Zimmern. Her ability to remain balanced and steady in the face of challenges traces back to the values reinforced during her formative years.
Career Path And Professional Life
Rishia Haas’s career tells a story of dedication to helping others rather than chasing recognition. After finishing college, she worked in administrative roles, including at cooking schools where her path first intersected with Zimmern’s. Her professional journey took a more profound turn when she became involved in addiction recovery. She worked as an Admissions Coordinator at The Retreat, a respected rehabilitation center in Minnesota, where she helped individuals struggling with substance abuse take the first steps toward healing. Later, she contributed to the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, one of the nation’s leading addiction treatment organizations. Her commitment in these roles was not about prestige but about compassion and steady support. In recent years, she found a different yet equally fulfilling passion in beekeeping, joining the University of Minnesota Bee Lab. This shift into working with nature reflects her love for peaceful living and her ability to embrace new challenges with patience.
A Unique Passion For Beekeeping
Beekeeping may seem like an unusual choice, but it perfectly matches Haas’s quiet, thoughtful personality. At the University of Minnesota Bee Lab, she embraced a lifestyle that values balance and harmony with nature. Caring for bees requires patience, resilience, and attentiveness—qualities that have always defined her. This pursuit also reflects her ability to create a life beyond her association with Zimmern, building personal fulfillment in ways that bring peace and sustainability. For her, beekeeping is more than a hobby; it is a mindful way of living in tune with the environment.
Meeting Andrew Zimmern
The story of how Rishia Haas met Andrew Zimmern is as genuine as it is simple. Their paths crossed in 1999 at a cooking school in Minneapolis, where Zimmern was teaching and Haas was working in the school’s store. At that time, Zimmern was still rebuilding his life after years of homelessness and addiction, while Haas’s professional background in recovery work gave her unique insight into his journey. Despite their 20-year age difference, the two found common ground in shared values, mutual empathy, and a love for food. Their connection quickly grew into something deeper, rooted not in glamour but in understanding and kindness.
Marriage And Family Life
Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern married in 2002 in a private ceremony attended by close family and friends. Three years later, in 2005, they welcomed their son, Noah Zimmern, into the world. While Zimmern’s career was rapidly taking off, Haas focused on creating a stable home environment. As Zimmern traveled the globe exploring unique foods and cultures, she managed family life with patience and resilience. Though she never sought the spotlight, her presence was central to his success. She balanced her own work with the demands of supporting a celebrity partner, all while keeping her priorities firmly centered on family.
Life As Andrew Zimmern’s Wife
Being the spouse of a well-known chef came with challenges. While Zimmern was often away filming, Haas maintained stability at home. She rarely appeared in public alongside him, choosing instead to live privately and focus on her son. Her background in addiction recovery played an essential role in supporting Zimmern during his ongoing personal challenges. In many ways, she was his steady foundation, offering understanding and strength when his career and health faced turbulence. Despite the fame surrounding her husband, she remained grounded, embodying a lifestyle far from the glare of media attention.
Divorce And Separation
After 16 years of marriage, Haas and Zimmern decided to separate in 2018. The reasons were a mix of distance caused by Zimmern’s demanding travel schedule and the natural strains that came with their very different lifestyles. Zimmern has spoken openly about how his career and recovery journey impacted the marriage. Their separation, however, was not marked by conflict or scandal. Instead, they handled it with maturity and mutual respect, keeping their focus firmly on co-parenting their son. This respectful approach speaks volumes about Haas’s character and the values she carries.
Life After Divorce
Since her divorce, Rishia Haas has embraced a peaceful and independent life in Edina, Minnesota. She continues her work with beekeeping and enjoys a modest lifestyle centered on family and personal growth. She remains deeply involved in her son’s life, ensuring he has a loving and stable upbringing. While Zimmern continues to live publicly through television and media, Haas finds joy in the quieter aspects of life—gardening, cooking at home, and time with loved ones. Her estimated net worth of around $3 million provides stability, but she chooses not to flaunt wealth or chase public recognition. Instead, her choices reflect humility, strength, and authenticity.
Final Thoughts
Rishia Haas is more than just the former wife of a celebrity chef. She is a woman of substance who has lived with dignity, purpose, and compassion. From her work in addiction recovery to her dedication as a mother and her embrace of beekeeping, her story shows that influence does not require fame. Her resilience through marriage, divorce, and personal growth is inspiring, reminding us that true strength often exists in quiet determination and love for family. In a world that often celebrates the loudest voices, Rishia Haas stands as a testament to the power of living authentically and meaningfully, even away from the spotlight.
FAQs About Rishia Haas
Who Is Rishia Haas?
Rishia Haas is best known as the former wife of chef and television host Andrew Zimmern. She is also a professional who has worked in addiction recovery and now enjoys 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 Children?
Yes, she has one son, Noah Zimmern, who was born in 2005.
What Does Rishia Haas Do For A Living?
She has worked in administrative roles and in addiction recovery centers such as The Retreat and Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. More recently, she has been involved in beekeeping at the University of Minnesota Bee Lab.
Where Does Rishia Haas Live Now?
She currently lives in Edina, Minnesota, where she leads a private and peaceful life focused on family and nature.
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, which comes from her career earnings and financial settlement from her marriage.
