A TV chef has been found dead inside his Nola’s Chicken & Waffles restaurant as his twin brother took to social media to share a gut-wrenching post in his honour
11:01, 01 Oct 2026Updated 11:01, 01 Oct 2026
The celebrity chef was at his own restaurant when he died(Image: Instagram)
A beloved television chef has been found dead at the age of 37 in one of his own restaurants. American chef Ryan Tapp, who was based in Houston, Texas, was best known for his show Raw and Ruthless with Chef Ryan Tapp.
The show followed him across the country and he also owned two Houston dining establishments – Taste of H-Town Bar and Grill, and Nola’s Chicken & Waffles.
It was in his second eatery that Ryan was discovered dead on 27 September, as confirmed by officials from the Houston Police Department. He was pronounced dead at 12:09pm by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences and no foul play is suspected.
Ryan was known for his TV show Raw and Ruthless(Image: Travitto)
An official cause of death has yet to be shared. His brother Bryan Tapp posted a heart-wrenching statement on Facebook: “Today I found out my twin went to heaven to be with my momma. Rest easy Ryan Tapp my brother.”
“It hurts 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,” reports the Express.
Tributes poured in from fans as one commented: “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 echoed: “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?’ His daughter, man. So sorry. Praying for his family. Unbelievable.”
And a third wrote: “Awww RIP, I’m glad I was fortunate enough to taste your food and it was delicious. So sorry to hear this.”
Ryan initially began his culinary career as a personal chef before opening his first restaurant Tapp Out HTX in 2021.
Nola’s came next in 2024, and Ryan started advertising his Taste of H-Town venue this year.
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Dining and Cooking