Many people know Rishia Haas because she was married to Andrew Zimmern, the famous chef and TV star. But her own life is more interesting than people think. She lived a quiet life, stayed simple, and never looked for fame. Even when she became the wife of a well‑known person, she remained calm, kind, and private.
In this article, we’ll talk about who Rishia Haas is, how she met Andrew Zimmern, and their marriage that lasted for 16 years. We’ll also look at their life as a family, their son, and the challenges they went through. So, let’s begin and explore her story!
Rishia Haas Profile Summary
| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rishia Haas |
| Date of Birth | July 29, 1973 |
| Age (2025) | 52 years old |
| Place of Birth | Minnesota, USA |
| Parents | Robert Haas (father), Karen Haas (mother) |
| Siblings | Jennifer Haas (sister), John Haas (brother) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches |
| Known For | Former wife of chef Andrew Zimmern |
| Children | One son, Noah (born 2005) |
| Current Home | Edina, Minnesota |
| Net Worth | $3–$5 million |
Who Is Rishia Haas?
Rishia Haas was born on July 29, 1973, in Minnesota. She grew up in a quiet and loving home with her family. Her parents are Robert and Karen Haas, and she has two siblings, Jennifer and John. Her childhood was simple, peaceful, and full of care. She never tried to be famous and enjoyed living a normal life.
Rishia Haas is known for her warm and kind nature. She likes simple things, like spending time with her family, cooking at home, and enjoying a calm day. She never wanted to be in the spotlight. Even when Andrew Zimmern became famous around the world, she stayed away from cameras. She does not use social media.
Who Is Andrew Zimmern?
Andrew Zimmern is a well-known American chef and TV host. You may know him from the show Bizarre Foods, where he travels around the world and tries unusual dishes. He was born on July 4, 1961, in New York City. His love for food started when he was very young, and over time he turned it into a strong and successful career.
But his life was not always easy. In his early years, Andrew struggled with addiction and even became homeless. Slowly, with help and support, he rebuilt his life and found his path back to cooking. This journey made him stronger and more grateful. Later, he became a famous author, speaker, chef, and TV personality.
Even after becoming a global name, Andrew always spoke openly about his past. He loved sharing stories about food and culture, and people loved his warm personality. But behind all the fame, he always had a family waiting at home, and that family included Rishia Haas.
Rishia Haas’s Career
Before people knew her name, Rishia Haas worked in simple and honest jobs. She went to Anoka High School and later studied at Augsburg College. After college, she took on different roles to support herself and her family. She worked in department stores and later joined a cooking school, which later played a big role in her life.
Rishia then began working in the recovery field. She became an Admissions Coordinator at The Retreat, a center that helps people who are fighting addiction. She helped many people and showed a lot of care and patience in her work. Her role made her an important part of other people’s healing journeys.
In 2004, she joined the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation as an administrative assistant. This is one of the most respected addiction recovery organizations in the United States. Her job shows her heart — she wants to help people who are struggling and make them feel supported. Some sources even say she enjoys beekeeping and works with the University of Minnesota Bee Lab, which also matches her calm and peaceful nature.
How Rishia Hass Met Andrew Zimmern
The love story of Rishia Haas and Chef Andrew Zimmern began in a very simple and sweet way. They met around 1999 or 2000 at a cooking school in Minnesota. Andrew was teaching cooking classes, and Rishia worked in the school store connected to the kitchen. Their first conversations were soft, fun, and natural.
They quickly found out they shared a love for food and warm, friendly talks. Even though Andrew was 20 years older than Rishia, the age gap never bothered them. They enjoyed each other’s company and became close very fast. Their connection was real and strong, the kind that grows quietly and deeply over time.
With time, they started dating. They understood each other well. Andrew was rebuilding his life after his past struggles, and Rishia understood the weight of his journey because she worked in recovery. Their bond felt supportive, stable, and full of care.
Their Wedding and Life Together
After dating for about two years, Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern decided to get married. Their wedding took place on December 26, 2002, in Minneapolis. It was a small and warm ceremony with close friends and family. The day was simple and beautiful, just the way they liked it.
In the early days of their marriage, life felt calm and full of hope. Andrew was still building his career in media. Slowly, his show Bizarre Foods became a huge success, and he started traveling around the world for filming. While Andrew was busy exploring new places, Rishia stayed home and kept their family life stable and strong.
She never asked for fame and never wanted cameras in her life. She focused on her home, her son, and her job. While Andrew traveled from one country to another, tasting strange and wild foods, Rishia made sure their home felt safe, warm, and filled with love. Their life looked peaceful, but it was also a life where both worked hard in different ways.
Rishia Had a Son with Andrew Zimmern
In 2005, Rishia Haas and Andrew welcomed their son, Noah Zimmern. This was one of the happiest moments in their life. Noah brought new joy, new routines, and new love into their home. Rishia became a full-time mother who wanted to give her son a calm and steady childhood.
Andrew loved his son deeply, but his work kept him away from home most of the year. Rishia handled most of the day-to-day parenting. She made sure Noah felt safe, supported, and surrounded by love. He grew up in Minnesota, far from the noise of TV studios and cameras.
Even after their separation, both Rishia and Andrew stayed committed to giving Noah the best life they could. Their shared love for him stayed strong, even when their marriage faced challenges.
Rishia and Andrew’s Marriage Ended After 16 Years
After 16 years of marriage, things slowly changed between Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern. At first, their relationship felt steady and full of care. But over time, things became harder. Andrew’s work got busier, and he was always traveling for his food shows.
He became more famous each year. People wanted to see him, talk to him, and take pictures. It may have looked exciting from the outside, but for Rishia and their son Noah Zimmern, it brought stress. Andrew once said that fans would even “trample” his wife and kid to get to him. That’s a lot for any family to handle.
Andrew later shared in an interview that he wasn’t there for his family the way he should have been. He said, “My wife gave me a thousand chances to make it right.” He knew the marriage was struggling because he was not home enough. Fame took over most of his time, and the family connection started to fade.
In 2018, they decided to separate. The divorce was quiet and respectful. Andrew called it amicable, which means they did not fight or argue publicly. He also took responsibility for what went wrong. Their love story had lasted many years, but life took them in different directions.
Rishia Haas’ Life After the Divorce
After the divorce, Rishia Haas did not change much. She stayed the same peaceful and private woman. She kept living in Edina, Minnesota, the same place where she raised her son. While Andrew continued to work on shows and travel for food, Rishia focused on her home and her work.
She kept her job at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, helping people with addiction recovery. She also enjoyed calm hobbies like reading, cooking, walking outside, gardening, and spending time with her son, Noah. Some sources say she may also enjoy beekeeping and nature work, which matches her calm and steady personality.
Even though she was once married to someone famous, Rishia never looked for attention. She never spoke in interviews. She still doesn’t use social media. She simply lives life her way — quiet, peaceful, and full of care for others.
She and Andrew also co-parent Noah in a respectful way. That means they both take care of their son, even though they are no longer married. They support him together and make sure he grows up in a healthy and loving home.
Rishia Haas Net Worth
Over the years, Rishia Haas worked hard in her career. She spent many years in health and support centers, helping people with recovery. Her work was never about money or fame. It was about kindness, care, and helping others feel better.
Different sources say her net worth is somewhere between $3 million to $5 million. That number may also include some support from her past marriage, but most of it comes from her own work. She has been working for years in trusted organizations like The Retreat and Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.
Unlike celebrities, Rishia doesn’t show off her money. She lives a very simple life. She focuses on her job, her home, and her son. She doesn’t post fancy photos or talk about her personal life online. Everything about her lifestyle is calm, natural, and private.
For comparison, Andrew Zimmern has a net worth of around $14 million, thanks to his long career in TV, books, restaurants, and more.
Final Thoughts
The story of Rishia Haas is soft, real, and full of quiet strength. She spent 16 years by Andrew Zimmern’s side — helping him, raising their son, and staying strong while he traveled the world. She was never part of the spotlight, but she played a big part in Andrew’s success.
Even after the marriage ended, Rishia kept living her life with peace and grace. She never searched for fame. She just focused on what matters: family, work, and kindness. She is a mother, a helper, and a quiet force behind the scenes.
In 2025, Rishia Haas still lives in Minnesota. She works hard, lives simply, and raises her son with love. Her story is a reminder that you don’t have to be loud or famous to make a big difference in someone’s life.
(FAQs)
Who was Andrew Zimmern’s former wife?
Her name is Rishia Haas. They were married for 16 years.
Why did Andrew and Rishia Haas divorce?
Andrew said he was away too much and didn’t give enough time to family. He took the blame.
What is Rishia Haas’s age?
She was born on July 29, 1973, so she is 52 years old in 2025.
Did Rishia Haas remarry?
No, she did not remarry after her divorce. She keeps her life very private.
Do Rishia and Andrew have kids?
Yes, they have one son named Noah, born in 2005.
