A popular chef-restaurateur based out of the Gulf Coast was found dead over the weekend at one of his restaurants, leading to a stream of memorials on social media.

The body of Ryan Tapp, 37, was discovered at his establishment Nola's Chicken & Waffles on Sunday afternoon, officials from the Houston Police Department said, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Tapp had been declared dead at 12.09pm Sunday, according to The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, the outlet reported. Foul play was not suspected in his passing.

Tapp had more than 140,000 followers on his Instagram page, as he ran multiple Houston-based eateries, including Nola’s Chicken & Waffles and Taste Of H-Town Restaurant & Bar.

On his social media pages, Tapp spoke about his restaurants and the dishes they serve, as well as other culinary businesses.

The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for the Houston Police Department for further comment on the story.

His brother Bryan Tapp took to Facebook amid news of his passing Sunday, confirming his sibling's passing.

'Today I found out my twin went to heaven to be with my momma,' Bryan said. 'Rest easy Ryan Tapp my brother. It hurt to lose a sibling especially a twin.'

He added, '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.'

On social media, a number of users mourned the late Tapp in comments on his Instagram page.

One user said, 'Oh nah this don’t sit right with me get your rest Chef... sending my deepest condolences to his daughter and family.

'So mind blowing like that food be so damn good and he just opened another restaurant recently.'

One commenter said Tapp's passing was '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. I hope they get answers and find some type of peace.'

Another user said of Tapp's premature passing: '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 got his start in the culinary business as a personal chef prior to beginning his first Houston-based restaurant Tapp Out HTX, according to the outlet. The establishment had been open from around 2021 to 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. 

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