Ryan Tapp, a well-known Gulf Coast chef and restaurateur, was found dead at one of his Houston restaurants over the weekend, prompting an outpouring of tributes online.
The body of Tapp, 37, was discovered Sunday afternoon inside Nola’s Chicken & Waffles, according to Houston Police Department officials cited by the Houston Chronicle.
The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences recorded Tapp’s time of death as 12:09 p.m. Sunday, the outlet reported. Authorities said they did not suspect foul play.
Tapp had built an Instagram following of more than 140,000 people while operating several Houston-area dining spots, including Nola’s Chicken & Waffles and Taste Of H-Town Restaurant & Bar.
Through his social media accounts, he regularly promoted his restaurants, showcased their menus and highlighted other businesses in Houston’s food scene.
Our News Outlet has contacted representatives of the Houston Police Department for additional comment.
Ryan Tapp, 37, a popular Gulf Coast chef and restaurateur, was found dead Sunday at one of his restaurants, prompting a wave of tributes on social media
Following news of his death, Tapp’s brother Bryan shared an emotional tribute on Facebook on Sunday and confirmed the loss of his sibling.
“Today I found out my twin went to heaven to be with my momma,” Bryan wrote. “Rest easy Ryan Tapp, my brother. It hurt to lose a sibling, especially a twin.”
He continued: “I will see you again, bro. Say hey to momma for me. I will see you in my dreams, and we can talk more. Love you.”
Fans and friends also filled the comments section of Tapp’s Instagram account with messages of grief and remembrance.
“Oh nah, this don’t sit right with me. Get your rest, Chef,” one person wrote, while offering condolences to Tapp’s daughter and family.
Another commenter said the news was difficult to comprehend, writing that Tapp’s food was “so damn good” and noting that he had only recently opened another restaurant.
A separate tribute described Tapp’s death as “so unfair,” adding: “Can’t even work hard and enjoy the blessings without somebody trying to take from you.”
“My heart hurts for his family,” the user continued. “I hope they get answers and find some type of peace.”
Reflecting on Tapp’s untimely death, another user wrote: “I know we all have to leave. I swear it’s times like this, you just wanna ask God! You sure it was his time?”
Tapp had more than 140,000 followers on Instagram
Tapp also appeared on television, starring in four episodes of the 2024 reality series Raw and Ruthless with Chef Ryan Tapp
Numerous social media users mourned Tapp in comments posted to his Instagram page
According to the outlet, Tapp began his culinary career as a personal chef before launching his first Houston restaurant, Tapp Out HTX. The establishment operated from approximately 2021 until 2022.
In September 2024, he opened the Houston establishment Nola’s Seafood & Po’boys, the outlet reported, prior to changing locations and renaming the restaurant Nola’s Chicken & Waffles.
Earlier this year, he began promotions for his restaurant Taste of H-Town Bar & Grill.
Tapp also had experience in TV, starring in four episodes of the reality show Raw and Ruthless with Chef Ryan Tapp in 2024.
The concept of the series focused on Tapp traveling ‘across the United States dining at “overhyped” restaurant concepts,’ also ‘sharing experience about the city, the restaurant, the customer service and much more.’
Among the establishments he visited in the Houston area included Lost & Found, Rouxpour and Turkey Leg Hut, according to the outlet.
