Rocco Whalen, if nothing else, is wrapped up in the love of cooking: the idea and vitality of it, the invention and sustainability of it, and the day-to-day enrichment of it. All combine as convictions he affectionately shares with regulars and first-timers who dine at his remarkable restaurant, Fahrenheit the first open-air rooftop restaurant and bar in Uptown Charlotte, and also in Cleveland’s historic Tremont neighborhood.

Rocco does not stand still.  Which is why, today, with Fahrenheit home to a packed house every day of the week, he has emerged as one of the best chefs in Charlotte, in Cleveland and in the Midwest. His restaurants and recipes have been featured nationwide. He is also a sought after television personality and culinary guest on the Food Network, the Travel Channel, and numerous local TV news programs.

Early in his culinary career, Rocco held positions with Wolfgang Puck at Spago, Obachin, Granita and Chinois. As the Fahrenheit Restaurants have grown, he also expanded his brand with Rosie & Rocco’s; Rocco’s at the Q at Quicken Loans Arena; Great Lakes Cheesesteaks  and Rosie & Rocco’s both at FirstEnergy Stadium; All Access Café at the Cleveland Rock Hall of Fame; and traveling near and far in his food truck, ShortRib1.