Rishia Haas is widely recognized as the former wife of celebrity chef and television personality Andrew Zimmern. While many people first learned about her through that connection, Rishia’s story is much more than a celebrity marriage.
Born on July 29, 1973, in Champlin, Minnesota, she has built a meaningful life defined by compassion, dedication, and service. Over the years, she has worked with respected organizations focused on addiction recovery and wellness, helping individuals rebuild their lives.
A graduate of Augsburg University, Rishia has contributed to several healthcare and rehabilitation organizations. Today she lives a quieter life in Edina, Minnesota, where she balances family, professional work, and a passion for beekeeping.
This biography explores her journey—from her early life and career to her marriage, divorce, and fulfilling life afterward.
| Personal Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Rishia Haas |
| Date of Birth | July 29, 1973 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 51 years old |
| Birthplace | Champlin, Minnesota, USA |
| Current Residence | Edina, Minnesota, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) |
| Education | Anoka High School, Augsburg College |
| Occupation | Administrative Assistant, Beekeeper |
| Known For | Former wife of Andrew Zimmern |
| Parents | Robert Haas, Karen Haas |
| Siblings | Jennifer Haas, John Haas |
| Children | One son – Noah Zimmern |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Husband | Andrew Zimmern (2002–2018) |
| Estimated Net Worth | Around $3 million |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
Rishia Haas was born and raised in Champlin, Minnesota, a small suburban community known for its close-knit atmosphere and strong family values.
Her parents, Robert Haas and Karen Haas, raised her alongside her siblings, Jennifer Haas and John Haas. Growing up in a supportive household, Rishia learned the importance of kindness, responsibility, and hard work from an early age.
Life in a small Midwestern town provided a calm and nurturing environment. Community engagement, education, and family relationships were central to her upbringing. These early experiences shaped her compassionate personality and laid the foundation for her future career in helping others.
Rishia attended Anoka High School in Minnesota, where she developed a reputation for being responsible, friendly, and academically dedicated.
After graduating from high school, she enrolled at Augsburg University in Minneapolis. The university’s strong focus on community engagement and social responsibility influenced her academic and personal growth.
During her college years, she developed valuable skills in communication, organization, and human services. These abilities later became essential in her professional career, particularly in healthcare administration and addiction recovery support.
Her time at Augsburg also helped her cultivate leadership qualities and emotional intelligence, preparing her to work closely with individuals and families facing difficult challenges.
Throughout her professional life, Rishia Haas has focused on work that supports healing, recovery, and community wellbeing.
After completing her education, she began working in administrative roles where her strong organizational skills and compassionate nature quickly stood out.
One of her most notable roles was at The Retreat, a well-known rehabilitation center in Minnesota. As an Admissions Coordinator, she helped individuals struggling with addiction access treatment and begin their recovery journeys.
Her work required patience, empathy, and professionalism—qualities that colleagues and patients deeply appreciated.
Later, she joined the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, one of the most respected addiction treatment organizations in the United States. There, she assisted patients and families navigating recovery programs, offering guidance and support during challenging times.
In recent years, Rishia explored a different path by becoming involved in beekeeping through the University of Minnesota Bee Lab. This shift reflects her growing interest in environmental sustainability and nature.
Her career journey demonstrates adaptability, compassion, and a commitment to making a positive impact on both individuals and the environment.
Beyond her professional work, Rishia Haas developed a deep appreciation for nature and sustainable living.
Her involvement with the University of Minnesota Bee Lab introduced her to the world of beekeeping and environmental conservation.
Beekeeping requires patience, attention, and care—qualities that mirror Rishia’s personality. Working with bees allows her to stay connected to nature while contributing to important research and conservation efforts.
This passion also provides a peaceful balance to her life, offering moments of reflection and calm after years spent in demanding healthcare environments.
For Rishia, caring for bees represents more than a hobby—it reflects her belief in nurturing life and protecting the natural world.
Rishia Haas met celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern in 1999 in Minneapolis.
At the time, Zimmern was rebuilding his life after overcoming serious struggles with addiction and homelessness. He had begun teaching at a local cooking school, where Rishia worked in the retail section.
Their first meeting was simple but meaningful. Conversations about food, life experiences, and recovery quickly created a connection between them.
Rishia’s understanding of addiction recovery deeply resonated with Zimmern’s personal journey. Despite a significant age difference of about 20 years, the two found common ground in empathy, resilience, and a shared passion for helping others.
What began as a friendship soon developed into a romantic relationship that would eventually lead to marriage.
Andrew Zimmern is a well-known American chef, television personality, writer, and culinary educator. Born on July 4, 1961, in New York City, he became internationally recognized for hosting the Travel Channel series Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern.
Through the show, Zimmern traveled across the globe exploring local cultures and traditional cuisines, often introducing viewers to unusual and unique dishes from different countries. His adventurous approach to food and storytelling helped him become one of the most recognizable personalities in food television.
Before his television success, Zimmern faced serious personal struggles with addiction and homelessness during the 1990s. After entering recovery, he rebuilt his life and career through determination and hard work. Over the years, he has received multiple honors, including prestigious James Beard Awards for his contributions to food media.
Beyond television, he is also an author, educator, and advocate for cultural understanding, sustainability, and global food traditions.
Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern married in 2002 in a private ceremony attended by close friends and family members.
Their early years together were built on mutual understanding and support. Both had experienced personal challenges earlier in life, which created a strong emotional bond between them.
In 2005, the couple welcomed their son, Noah Zimmern. His birth brought immense joy and became the center of their family life.
While Zimmern’s career began expanding rapidly through television appearances and global food exploration, Rishia focused on maintaining a stable and supportive home environment. Her role behind the scenes helped create balance during the demanding early years of Zimmern’s fame.
Although their lives were often busy due to Andrew’s international travel schedule, their marriage was grounded in love, resilience, and shared responsibility as parents.
Motherhood has been one of the most important roles in Rishia Haas’s life. She shares a deep bond with her son, Noah, who was born in 2005.
From the beginning, she prioritized providing him with a stable and nurturing home environment. Education, kindness, and emotional growth were central values she emphasized in his upbringing.
Despite Andrew Zimmern’s growing fame in television, Rishia chose to keep her family life private. She intentionally shielded Noah from media attention, ensuring he could grow up in a normal and supportive environment.
Even after the couple’s divorce, both parents remained committed to cooperative co-parenting. Their shared goal has always been providing their son with love, guidance, and stability.
During her marriage, Rishia Haas played a vital role in supporting Andrew Zimmern’s career.
Hosting Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern required frequent international travel, long filming schedules, and extensive media commitments. While Andrew worked on television projects, Rishia managed the responsibilities of home life.
Unlike many spouses of celebrities, Rishia preferred to remain outside the spotlight. She valued privacy and focused on family responsibilities rather than public appearances.
Her quiet strength and emotional support helped provide stability during both the professional successes and personal challenges that accompanied Andrew’s rising fame.
After nearly sixteen years of marriage, Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern separated in 2018.
The decision was influenced largely by the pressures of Zimmern’s demanding career and the constant travel that came with his television work.
Unlike many high-profile divorces, their separation remained respectful and mature. Zimmern later spoke publicly about the personal challenges that contributed to the end of their marriage.
Despite the divorce, both remained committed to raising their son together with cooperation and mutual respect.
Their separation marked the beginning of new personal chapters for both individuals.
Following her divorce, Rishia Haas chose to live a peaceful and independent life in Edina, Minnesota.
She continued working in fields connected to wellness and recovery while also exploring her passion for nature and sustainable living.
One of the most meaningful changes in her life was becoming involved in beekeeping through the University of Minnesota Bee Lab.
This work allowed her to reconnect with nature and contribute to environmental conservation. It also provided a calming and fulfilling balance to her life.
Today, she focuses on family, mindfulness, and meaningful work rather than public recognition.
As of 2025, Rishia Haas lives in Edina, Minnesota, where she enjoys a peaceful lifestyle centered on family and nature.
She continues to work as a beekeeper and remains connected to environmental awareness through her involvement with the University of Minnesota Bee Lab.
Unlike many public figures, she maintains a very private life and does not actively use social media platforms. Her daily routine often includes caring for bees, gardening, and spending time with her family.
Her current life reflects independence, simplicity, and personal balance.
As of 2025, Rishia Haas is estimated to have a net worth of approximately $3 million.
Her financial stability comes from several sources:
Despite her comfortable financial position, she is known for living a modest lifestyle focused on purpose and sustainability rather than luxury.
Rishia Haas is widely admired for her compassion, humility, and emotional strength.
Those who know her describe her as kind, patient, and deeply empathetic. These qualities have been evident throughout both her professional career and personal life.
Her values include:
Whether helping individuals through recovery programs or caring for bees in nature, her actions reflect a nurturing and thoughtful personality.
Although she avoids public attention, Rishia Haas has gained respect for her integrity and resilience.
Her contributions to addiction recovery support and environmental awareness demonstrate how meaningful impact can exist outside celebrity culture.
Many people view her as an example of quiet strength—someone who has maintained grace and dignity through personal challenges while continuing to support others.
Her story highlights the importance of living with authenticity, humility, and purpose.
The life story of Rishia Haas is one of resilience, compassion, and independence.
From her upbringing in Minnesota to her work supporting addiction recovery and her peaceful life as a beekeeper, she has consistently chosen paths that prioritize helping others and living with purpose.
Although she was once widely known through her marriage to Andrew Zimmern, her identity extends far beyond that connection.
Today, she leads a balanced and fulfilling life centered on family, wellness, and nature—demonstrating that true success often lies in quiet achievements and meaningful contributions.
Rishia Haas is an American administrative professional and beekeeper best known as the former wife of celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern. She has also worked in addiction recovery support organizations.
She was born on July 29, 1973, in Champlin, Minnesota, United States.
Her parents are Robert Haas and Karen Haas, and she grew up with two siblings, Jennifer Haas and John Haas.
She attended Anoka High School and later graduated from Augsburg University.
She has worked in administrative and support roles within addiction recovery organizations such as Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and The Retreat. She is also involved in beekeeping through the University of Minnesota Bee Lab.
They were married for about sixteen years, from 2002 until their divorce in 2018.
Yes, she has one son, Noah Zimmern, born in 2005.
As of 2025, she lives in Edina, Minnesota, where she focuses on family life, environmental work, and beekeeping.
This post has been authored and published by one of our premium contributors, who are experts in their fields. They bring high-quality, well-researched content that adds significant value to our platform.
