Port Huron Community Mourns the Loss of Entrepreneur Justin Tappero, Co-Founder of What The Fry
Port Huron, MI — April 9, 2025 — The Port Huron community is deeply mourning the sudden and tragic loss of Justin Tappero, the beloved entrepreneur and co-founder of What The Fry, a well-known food truck and carryout restaurant. Justin, who passed away unexpectedly, leaves behind a profound legacy of culinary creativity, community engagement, and a passion for turning dreams into reality. His death has cast a shadow over the vibrant local food scene he helped shape, leaving friends, family, and loyal customers devastated by the loss.
A Culinary Visionary and Local Staple
What The Fry, known for its unique and inventive twists on classic comfort food, became a staple in Port Huron under Justin’s leadership. With a keen eye for innovation and a genuine love for food, Justin and his business partner, [Partner’s Name], transformed a riverside dream into a thriving and beloved business. The food truck, which initially started as a small venture offering gourmet French fries topped with an array of creative toppings, soon expanded to a carryout restaurant that became a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike.
Justin’s commitment to high-quality ingredients, paired with his knack for culinary experimentation, earned What The Fry a loyal following. The restaurant quickly gained a reputation for not just serving food, but for delivering a unique experience that left a lasting impression on everyone who visited.
A Legacy Beyond the Food Truck
Beyond the culinary success of What The Fry, Justin’s impact extended far into the Port Huron community. Known for his generosity and deep connections with the area, Justin was an advocate for local businesses and community development. He worked tirelessly to create a space that celebrated local flavors and supported other entrepreneurs in the region.
His community outreach and involvement were also key aspects of his entrepreneurial spirit. Whether it was through sponsoring local events, providing food for charity functions, or offering mentorship to other small business owners, Justin always sought to give back to the community that had supported him and his business.
Remembering Justin Tappero
As news of his passing spread, tributes and messages of support began pouring in from friends, family, and customers. Many spoke of Justin’s warm personality, his infectious enthusiasm, and his unwavering dedication to making Port Huron a better place. His colleagues described him as a “visionary” and “an inspiration to so many in the local food scene,” noting his ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
One of the most touching tributes came from his business partner, who shared, “Justin was not just a business partner, but a brother and friend. His energy, creativity, and love for what he did will never be replaced. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him, and his legacy will live on in everything we built together.”
A Future Without Justin Tappero
The future of What The Fry is uncertain as the community and the restaurant team come to terms with this heartbreaking loss. Plans are being discussed to honor Justin’s memory and ensure that the vision he started continues to thrive in Port Huron.
A memorial fund has been established to support Justin’s family and the continuation of his legacy. The community has also rallied together, with several local businesses offering their support and expressing their condolences to Justin’s family and the What The Fry team.
The Impact of a Life Well-Lived
Justin Tappero’s sudden passing has left an irreplaceable void in Port Huron, but his influence on the community and the local food scene will continue to inspire. His commitment to quality, creativity, and connection has left a lasting mark on the hearts of those who were fortunate to know him, and his entrepreneurial spirit will live on through the continued success of What The Fry.
As the community comes together to mourn his loss, they also celebrate the incredible impact Justin had on their lives—a legacy of innovation, generosity, and a love for food that brought them all together.