Rishia Haas is best known as the former wife of celebrity chef and television host Andrew Zimmern, but her life and achievements extend far beyond that connection. Born on July 29, 1973, in Champlin, Minnesota, she has built a meaningful and independent life rooted in compassion, hard work, and service. While many recognize her through her link to the Bizarre Foods star, Rishia has spent years dedicating herself to helping others through her work in addiction recovery and wellness. A graduate of Augsburg College, she has worked at respected organizations such as The Retreat and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, supporting individuals on their paths to healing. Today, Rishia leads a peaceful life in Edina, Minnesota, balancing her roles as a mother, professional, and beekeeper. This Rishia Haas biography explores her inspiring journey from her early years and marriage to her fulfilling life after divorce, revealing the quiet strength and resilience behind the woman once known as Andrew Zimmern’s ex-wife.
Quick Bio: Rishia Haas
| Personal Detail | 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 |
| Parents | Robert Haas (father), Karen Haas (mother) |
| Siblings | Jennifer Haas, John Haas |
| Children | One son – Noah Zimmern |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Husband | Andrew Zimmern (m. 2002–2018) |
| Estimated Net Worth | Around $3 million |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
Early Life and Background
Rishia Haas was born on July 29, 1973, in Champlin, Minnesota, where she spent her childhood surrounded by love and strong family values. Her parents, Robert and Karen Haas, raised her alongside two siblings, Jennifer and John, in a close-knit, supportive environment. Growing up in a small Midwestern town, Rishia learned early the importance of kindness, hard work, and humility. Her upbringing was calm and family-oriented, with a focus on education and community involvement. She attended Anoka High School, where she was known for her friendly nature and sense of responsibility. After completing high school, she pursued her higher education at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her background in a warm, family-centered community shaped her compassionate character and lifelong desire to help others. This strong foundation would later influence her career choices and personal values, reflecting the balance between service, empathy, and simplicity that defines who she is today.
Education and Academic Journey
Rishia Haas’s educational path at Augsburg College played a major role in shaping her future career. Known for her dedication and curiosity, she focused on subjects that blended communication, organization, and human service skills that later became essential in her professional life. Augsburg’s community-driven environment inspired her to contribute positively to others’ lives, a value that she carried into her work in addiction recovery and healthcare administration. Her academic years also helped her develop leadership qualities and emotional intelligence, which made her both effective and compassionate in her work. Through her studies, Rishia gained not only professional knowledge but also a sense of social responsibility, preparing her for a meaningful life of service and care for others.
Career and Professional Life
Rishia Haas built a rewarding career centered on helping people and creating positive change. After college, she began working in administrative and educational environments, where her organizational and interpersonal skills quickly stood out. She later joined The Retreat, a respected rehabilitation center in Minnesota, as an Admissions Coordinator. There, she supported individuals battling addiction, helping them access the care they needed. Her compassion and professionalism earned her respect from colleagues and patients alike. Eventually, Rishia moved to the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, one of the most well-known addiction treatment organizations in the U.S. Her work involved guiding patients and families through recovery processes, demonstrating empathy and calm under pressure. In more recent years, Rishia transitioned into beekeeping, joining the University of Minnesota Bee Lab. This shift reflects her love of nature and desire for balance, turning her compassion toward environmental care. Her career path shows her quiet strength, adaptability, and commitment to meaningful work.
Passion for Beekeeping and Nature
Rishia Haas’s journey into beekeeping reveals her love for nature and her peaceful spirit. After years in the healthcare field, she found comfort in working closely with the environment, which aligned perfectly with her nurturing personality. Her involvement with the University of Minnesota Bee Lab allowed her to explore sustainable living while contributing to bee conservation and research. Beekeeping offers her tranquility and connection with the natural world—values she deeply cherishes. The patience and mindfulness required for caring for bees reflect her inner calm and dedication to nurturing life in all forms. Through this work, Rishia has built a lifestyle centered on harmony, reflection, and balance, embodying her belief that healing comes not only from helping others but also from being close to nature.
Meeting Andrew Zimmern
Rishia Haas met Andrew Zimmern in 1999 in Minneapolis, a time when both their lives were undergoing significant change. Andrew, who was teaching at a local cooking school after overcoming homelessness and addiction, met Rishia while she was working at the school’s retail store. Their first encounter was simple and genuine, sparked by shared interests and mutual respect. Rishia’s understanding of addiction recovery resonated deeply with Andrew’s own journey, and their emotional connection quickly grew. Despite a 20-year age gap, they found common ground in compassion, humor, and a love of food and community. What began as a friendship blossomed into a meaningful relationship, leading to a strong partnership built on empathy, resilience, and shared growth.
Who is Andrew Zimmern?
Andrew Zimmern is a famous American chef, television personality, writer, and teacher known for his adventurous food shows. Born on July 4, 1961, in New York City, he rose to fame as the host of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern on the Travel Channel, where he explored cultures around the world through unique and traditional dishes. Before becoming a TV star, he faced serious challenges with addiction and homelessness but turned his life around through recovery and hard work. Over the years, he has won several James Beard Awards and become a respected voice in the culinary world. Besides television, he is also an author, food educator, and advocate for sustainability and cultural understanding through food.
Marriage to Andrew Zimmern
Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern married in 2002 in an intimate ceremony surrounded by family and close friends. Their early years together were filled with love, mutual understanding, and a shared commitment to rebuilding and creating a stable family life. In 2005, they welcomed their son, Noah Zimmern, who became the heart of their world. As Andrew’s career flourished through Bizarre Foods and other television ventures, Rishia provided steady support at home, ensuring a sense of balance amid the demands of fame. Despite Andrew’s growing recognition and global travel schedule, Rishia remained devoted to family life, focusing on Noah’s upbringing and maintaining their household’s stability. Their marriage reflected both love and resilience, but the pressures of a busy career and public life gradually created distance between them.
Motherhood and Family Life
Motherhood is one of the most defining aspects of Rishia Haas’s life. She shares a deep and loving bond with her son, Noah, born in 2005. From the beginning, Rishia prioritized providing Noah with a stable, grounded, and nurturing home environment. She encouraged his education, creativity, and kindness while keeping his life private and free from media exposure. Even after her divorce from Andrew, Rishia and her ex-husband continued to co-parent with mutual respect and teamwork. Her approach to motherhood reflects her values of love, patience, and balance, ensuring Noah grows up understanding empathy and responsibility. Family remains at the core of Rishia’s identity, shaping her choices and bringing her the most joy.
Life as Andrew Zimmern’s Wife
During her marriage, Rishia Haas played a crucial role in supporting Andrew Zimmern’s demanding career while maintaining a sense of normalcy at home. Andrew’s work required extensive travel for his television series, leaving Rishia to manage their home and raise their son. While Andrew became a household name, Rishia chose to stay out of the spotlight, valuing privacy over publicity. Her calm strength and understanding helped balance the challenges of fame, offering Andrew emotional stability through his career highs and personal struggles. Behind every success, Rishia’s quiet support and resilience formed the foundation of their family’s harmony.
Divorce and Reasons for Separation
After nearly 16 years of marriage, Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern decided to part ways in 2018. The separation was due to the growing strain caused by Andrew’s demanding travel schedule and the challenges of maintaining connection amid fame and recovery. Unlike many public divorces, theirs was handled with maturity and respect. Andrew later spoke openly about his personal struggles and how the pressures of his career affected their marriage. Despite their separation, both remained devoted to raising their son, Noah, with love and cooperation. Their divorce marked not an end but a new beginning—two individuals choosing peace and personal growth while maintaining a strong family bond for their child’s well-being.
Life After Divorce
Following her divorce, Rishia Haas embraced a quiet, independent life in Edina, Minnesota. She continued her work in the wellness and recovery field while deepening her connection to nature through beekeeping. Away from the media spotlight, she found peace and contentment in simple living—focusing on family, work, and mindfulness. Her life now centers on harmony and purpose, showing her strength in creating happiness beyond fame. Rishia and Andrew maintain a positive relationship built on mutual respect and shared parenting responsibilities. Her journey after divorce demonstrates resilience, healing, and the beauty of rediscovering oneself through calm and meaningful pursuits.
What Is Rishia Haas Doing Now?
As of 2025, Rishia Haas lives in Edina, Minnesota, where she continues her work as a beekeeper and advocate for environmental awareness. She enjoys a peaceful lifestyle filled with family time, gardening, and caring for her bees. Without any active social media presence, she chooses to live privately, away from the public eye. Her estimated net worth is around $3 million, reflecting years of hard work and stability. Rishia’s life today is centered on balance, self-care, and giving back to nature—a fulfilling chapter defined by independence and inner peace.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
Rishia Haas has an estimated net worth of around $3 million as of 2025. Her financial stability comes from her career in healthcare and addiction recovery, her work at the University of Minnesota Bee Lab, and a fair divorce settlement. Despite her comfortable means, Rishia leads a modest life focused on purpose rather than luxury. Her spending reflects practicality and mindfulness, aligning with her values of simplicity and sustainability.
Personality and Values
Rishia Haas is admired for her gentle nature, empathy, and inner strength. She embodies kindness, patience, and quiet determination, which are evident in both her career and personal life. Her ability to remain grounded amid challenges reflects deep resilience. Rishia values privacy, honesty, and compassion—traits that have defined her relationships and work. Whether helping others in recovery or nurturing bees in nature, her life is guided by a calm, nurturing energy that inspires those around her.
Legacy and Public Image
Though she avoids the spotlight, Rishia Haas has earned admiration for her integrity and strength. Her legacy lies in her quiet contributions to healthcare, addiction recovery, and environmental well-being. Many view her as an example of how grace and resilience can exist without fame. She is respected not for celebrity but for her authenticity and kindness, representing the power of humility and the fulfillment found in a life lived with purpose and peace.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rishia Haas is a remarkable example of strength, compassion, and independence. Her journey from her humble beginnings in Minnesota to her meaningful career in addiction recovery and her peaceful life as a beekeeper reflects a woman deeply grounded in kindness and purpose. Though she once shared her life with celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern, Rishia’s story stands firmly on its own, defined by resilience, humility, and quiet achievement. Her ability to rebuild her life with grace after challenges shows her inner strength and commitment to personal peace. Today, she lives a calm and fulfilling life in Edina, Minnesota, focused on family, wellness, and nature. The Rishia Haas life story is not about fame or recognition, but about finding happiness in simplicity, giving back to others, and staying true to one’s values, a lesson that continues to inspire those who learn about her.
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Rishia Haas?
Rishia Haas is an American administrative professional and beekeeper, best known as the former wife of celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern. Beyond her association with him, she has built a meaningful career in addiction recovery and wellness. Her life reflects compassion, hard work, and quiet strength.
2. When and where was Rishia Haas born?
Rishia Haas was born on July 29, 1973, in Champlin, Minnesota, USA. She grew up in a loving family alongside her siblings and was raised with strong Midwestern values. Her upbringing shaped her calm, grounded, and compassionate personality.
3. Who were Rishia Haas’s parents and family?
She was born to Robert and Karen Haas, who raised her with a focus on kindness and community. Rishia has two siblings, Jennifer and John, with whom she shares close family ties. Her family played a major role in developing her caring nature and work ethic.
4. What is Rishia Haas’s educational background?
Rishia attended Anoka High School and later graduated from Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her education provided a strong foundation for her future work in administrative and social service roles. She remains connected to her Minnesota roots through both her career and lifestyle.
5. What does Rishia Haas do for a living?
Rishia has worked in administrative and support roles at several organizations focused on addiction treatment and recovery. She served as an Admissions Coordinator at The Retreat and later at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. More recently, she has also become a beekeeper with the University of Minnesota Bee Lab.
6. How long were Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern married?
Rishia and Andrew Zimmern married in 2002 after meeting at a cooking school in Minneapolis. They were together for about 16 years before divorcing in 2018. Despite their separation, they continue to co-parent their son, Noah, with mutual respect and care.
7. Does Rishia Haas have any children?
Yes, Rishia is the proud mother of one son, Noah Zimmern, born in 2005. She has always focused on providing Noah with a loving, stable, and balanced upbringing. Even after her divorce, she remains deeply devoted to her role as a mother.
8. What is Rishia Haas doing now?
As of 2025, Rishia Haas lives a quiet and peaceful life in Edina, Minnesota. She continues her work in beekeeping and focuses on wellness, nature, and family life. Valuing privacy over publicity, she lives modestly and enjoys the calm rewards of a balanced lifestyle.
