Rock Harper facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Rock Harper

Rock Harper at Hell's Kitchen DC Restaurant
Born	Rahman Harper (1976-12-17) December 17, 1976 (age 48) San Diego, California
Cooking style	Soul Food
Education	Johnson & Wales University
Current restaurant(s) Queen Mother's Fried Chicken (Arlington, Virginia) (2020-present) Hill Prince Bar (Washington, DC) (2023-present)
Television show(s) Hell's Kitchen (US)
Award(s) won James Beard Award Nominee 2023
Official website
www.queenmothercooks.com

Rahman "Rock" Harper (born December 17, 1976) is an American chef, television personality, and restaurateur. He became famous after winning the third season of the TV show Hell's Kitchen. This show is hosted by the famous chef Gordon Ramsay.

Rock Harper's Culinary Journey

Rock Harper found his passion for cooking when he was a teenager. He went on to earn a special cooking degree from Johnson & Wales University (JWU).

Before becoming a TV star, Rock worked in many different kitchens. He was even the head chef at B. Smith's Restaurant. In 2007, he joined the third season of the Fox TV show Hell's Kitchen. He won the competition! His prize was a great job as the head chef at the Terre Verde Restaurant. This restaurant is located at the Green Valley Ranch Resort.

After his year at Terre Verde, he continued to work as a top chef. He was the executive chef at Ben's Next Door and The Carlyle Club. Later, Rock also became a teacher at Stratford University, sharing his cooking knowledge. In 2010, he wrote a book called 44 Things Parents Should Know about Healthy Cooking for Kids. This book helps families learn about healthy eating.

In 2013, Rock appeared on another TV show, Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell. He won the head chef position at a steakhouse called The Precinct. However, he decided not to take that job.

In 2020, Rock opened his own restaurant called Queen Mother’s Fried Chicken. He named it to honor his mother, Carole Harper. The first location was in Washington, DC. One year later, the restaurant moved to Arlington, Virginia. Queen Mother's is famous for its special fried chicken. The chicken is brined (soaked) in duck-fat. This special chicken has even been featured on TV shows like Hell’s Kitchen and Sherri. In late 2023, Queen Mother's opened a new spot at the National Landing Water Park in Arlington.

Also in 2023, Rock Harper became the owner of Hill Prince Bar. This is a local bar and event place in Washington, D.C.

Awesome Awards and Nominations

Rock Harper and his restaurant have received some cool awards!

In 2020 and 2021, Queen Mother’s Fried Chicken was nominated for a RAMMY Award. These awards are given by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW). Queen Mother's was a finalist in the “Hottest New Sandwich Shop” category. The RAMMY Awards celebrate the best restaurants and food workers in Washington DC.

In 2023, Rock Harper was a semifinalist for a James Beard Award. This is a very big deal in the cooking world! He was nominated in the “Best Chef – Mid Atlantic” category. The James Beard Awards honor amazing talent in the food and cooking media industries.

Helping Others

Rock Harper also uses his skills to help others. He works with several charity organizations:

• March of Dimes - He is their National Celebrity Chef.
• DC Central Kitchen - He is a board member for this group.
• DC Greens - He serves on their Board of Directors.
• Global Food and Drink Initiative: He is on their Board of Directors.

Rock on TV!

Rock Harper has appeared on television many times. Here are some of the shows he has been on: