Food, Family, and Resilience: Chef Eric’s Journey

Growing up, Eric Rocha’s childhood was anything but easy. As you read, please note that his story touches on sensitive and difficult topics. 

His mother was almost never home, working tirelessly to provide for her three young sons, while his father struggled with addiction and was often physically and sexually abusive. The brothers were left to fend for themselves and by the time he was in first grade, Eric had stepped into the role of caretaker, ensuring his brothers were fed and cared for. 

Both of Eric’s brothers were born deaf, one of whom was also diagnosed with autism. Eric believed it was his responsibility to make sure someone was always looking out for them. 

Eric recalls much of his childhood and early adulthood being marked by survival. While others his age were hanging out with friends and enjoying a carefree existence, Eric was worrying about what his family would be eating for dinner that evening, and how to ensure their protection. Resources at the time were scarce and the area he grew up in was dangerous; he once witnessed someone getting shot in his neighborhood.

Experimenting with food became a lifeline. At first, it was hot dogs and boxed macaroni and cheese — whatever he could make at his young age to keep his family going. He recalls that his mother’s cooking was bland (and more often than not burned to a crisp) and he made it his mission to find ways to make simple foods taste delicious. Eric began experimenting with seasonings he picked up from church food pantries and became fixated with chefs he would see on TV, like Paul Prudhomme. He was inspired by Cajun flavors and though he didn’t realize it at the time, this was the beginning of what would become a lifelong passion.

Eric never considered making cooking into a career. In fact, he didn’t have a lot of time to daydream about what he actually wanted his future to look like; his only mission was keeping his family safe. Because this was the main thing he had focused on his entire life, Eric believed the natural next step would be to become a police officer, so he could keep others in his community safe. In high school, he joined the Explorer Program, as well as a military program in hopes of acquiring the training needed to join the police force. During this time, he also began working at Red Lobster to earn some extra cash. Eric quickly fell in love with the chaotic energy of a restaurant kitchen. It lit a fire in him that he had never experienced before.

Today, Chef Eric has turned that survival skill into a true passion. Cooking is no longer just about getting by — it’s about connection and enjoyment. “When I was young, I had no one to satisfy,” Eric shared. He just needed to make sure he was cooking food that his brothers would eat. “Now I get to see people’s reactions to what I create. That reward makes up for so much I missed as a kid.” His greatest joy, though, is sharing that passion with his own 11-year-old son, who often cooks alongside him. 

Eric became a single father when his son was very young. The boy’s mother struggled with drug addiction before tragically passing away from an overdose. Now, being a present, loving father is Eric’s greatest mission in life. 

Eric is currently the Executive Chef at Randy Peters Catering, and he often finds himself amazed that the path of trauma and survival led him to a career he so deeply loves. Eric is grateful that his younger brother also discovered a love for cooking, and he cherishes the opportunity to share the kitchen with him at Randy Peters, where his brother now assists.

For Eric, food has also become a way to give back. Partnering with organizations like The Alliance means more than just sharing meals — it’s about creating moments of hope for kids facing the very hardships he once knew all too well. “I never had resources like this when I was a kid,” he says. “I didn’t know how to tell people about what I was going through. I was scared and felt alone. That’s why I love what The Alliance is doing! I wish it had been around when I was younger.”

Eric makes it a point to teach his son the importance of giving back to the community. They can often be found volunteering at rehabilitation centers in honor of his son’s late mother. The duo enjoys cooking together and dropping off fresh food at local shelters as well. 

Through community outreach, mentoring, and sharing meals with those in need, Eric hopes to remind struggling youth that they’re not alone, and that reaching out for help is not something to fear. His message to kids today is simple but powerful: “Don’t be afraid to reach out. There are people who care and want to help. You don’t have to hide or be scared.”

For a man who once raised his brothers in the shadows of trauma, Chef Eric is now creating light through food, through his son, and through the community he serves. His story is a reminder that even in the hardest circumstances, resilience can grow into a gift that blesses others.