Popular TV Chef Ryan Tapp Found Dead in Houston Restaurant
The 37-year-old restaurateur, known for his Nola's Chicken & Waffles establishments and reality TV appearances, was discovered deceased at one of his businesses. Foul play is not suspected.
Ryan Tapp, a well-known chef and restaurateur who operated several popular establishments in Houston, was found dead on Sunday afternoon, according to local authorities. Tapp, 37, was discovered at his restaurant Nola's Chicken & Waffles. Officials from the Houston Police Department confirmed the finding, as reported by the Houston Chronicle. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences declared Tapp deceased at 12:09 p.m. Sunday. Investigators have stated that foul play is not suspected in his death.
Tapp had cultivated a significant following, with over 140,000 followers on his Instagram page. He was the proprietor of multiple Houston-area eateries, including Nola's Chicken & Waffles and Taste Of HTown Restaurant & Bar. His social media presence often featured content about his restaurants, their dishes, and other culinary ventures.
Bryan Tapp, Ryan's twin brother, confirmed his sibling's passing in a Facebook post. "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. I will see you again bro. Say hey to momma for me and I will see you in my dreams and we can talk more. Love you."
News of Tapp's death prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media. Many users expressed their shock and offered condolences to his family and daughter. "Oh nah this don’t sit right with me get your rest Chef... sending my deepest condolences to his daughter and family," one commenter wrote. Another shared, "So mind blowing like that food be so damn good and he just opened another restaurant recently."
Tapp began his career in the culinary industry as a personal chef before opening his first Houston restaurant, Tapp Out HTX, which operated from approximately 2021 to 2022. In September 2024, he launched Nola's Seafood & Po'boys, later renaming it Nola's Chicken & Waffles after relocating the business. Earlier in 2026, he had been promoting his establishment, Taste of H-Town Bar & Grill.
In addition to his restaurant work, Tapp also appeared on television. He was featured in four episodes of the reality show "Raw and Ruthless with Chef Ryan Tapp" in 2024. The series followed Tapp as he traveled across the country reviewing various restaurant concepts, offering his insights on the city, the establishment, and its customer service. His visits included notable Houston-area restaurants such as Lost & Found, Rouxpour, and Turkey Leg Hut.