Chef Eric Rogers

The Chef

Eric Rogers didn't emerge victorious during a 2015 appearance on the Food Network show Guy's Grocery Games, although the national TV appearance did wonders for the busy chef's local profile.

In a way, however, the Collinwood High School grad has been part of the Cleveland food scene for nearly his entire life.

At age eight, he started working at his grandparents' restaurant. By age 13, the young Rogers graduated to being an in-demand cook at the East Cleveland establishment. Yet despite his obvious kitchen aptitude, he decided to take a safer employment route — a non-hospitality job with University Hospitals — to pay the bills.

As the years passed, Rogers kept his cooking skills sharp with a successful side hustle, Nevaeh Catering. But when he was 33, he decided to switch gears and jump back into the kitchen full-time.

The Biz

Rogers expanded his catering business into the Cajun- and Creole-inspired Nevaeh cuisine in South Euclid in 2013, and then soon after that switched his focus to a snappier endeavor, the "Fix" brand.

This concept clicked, and in the last five years, Rogers has created quite an east side empire for himself.

Today, his signature eatery is the Legacy Village sandwich emporium Black Box Fix, which is known for the "Famous" OMG Philly — a stuffed 'wich piling jumbo grilled shrimp atop grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, cheese and other tasty toppings.

On the sweeter side, Rogers partnered with his wife's cousin to open The Sweet Fix Bakery. In more recent times, he unveiled The Fresh Fix of Heights — a health-conscious eatery with quirky, music-themed drinks, such as "C-Low Green" and "Madonna Mango."

Rogers is no doubt already cooking up his next adventurous endeavor. We can't wait to see what's next.