The culinary communities of New Orleans and Houston are mourning the unexpected death of chef, restaurateur and social media personality Ryan Tapp, who died Sunday, September 27, in Houston. He was 37.
Houston police confirmed that officers responded to Nola’s Chicken & Waffles, Tapp’s restaurant in the Eldridge/West Oaks area, shortly after noon Sunday. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences pronounced Tapp dead at approximately 12:09 p.m.
The official cause of death has not been released. Authorities have said no foul play is suspected.
A Chef With New Orleans Roots
A New Orleans native, Tapp built a name for himself in Houston’s competitive culinary scene while maintaining strong ties to his hometown.
He began his career as a personal chef before launching Tapp Out HTX around 2021 or 2022. He later opened Nola’s Seafood & Po’boys in 2024. The restaurant eventually moved to its current location on South Texas Highway 6 and was rebranded as Nola’s Chicken & Waffles.
Tapp had also recently expanded his restaurant portfolio with Taste of H-Town Bar & Grill in Midtown Houston, which he began promoting earlier this year.
More Than a Restaurateur
Tapp also developed a significant following through social media, where he shared his passion for food and the Houston restaurant scene.
He had more than 134,000 followers on Instagram and approximately 26,000 on TikTok, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Since 2024, he had also hosted the online food series “Raw & Ruthless,” traveling to restaurants throughout the Houston area and sharing reviews and commentary about the local dining scene.
His death has prompted an outpouring of grief from members of the Houston and New Orleans food communities, along with friends, customers and social media followers.
Tapp’s twin brother, Bryan Tapp, also confirmed his death on social media, expressing his heartbreak over losing his brother.
As loved ones and the culinary community remember Tapp’s contributions, questions surrounding his sudden death remain. The medical examiner’s office is expected to provide additional information once the investigation is complete.
Y’all Know What sends our deepest condolences to Ryan Tapp’s family, friends, employees, customers and everyone who was touched by his passion for food and entrepreneurship.
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