Popular Ann Arbor cafe owner dies at 60

ANN ARBOR, MI - The owner of a popular café and wine store in Ann Arbor has died at age 60. Tommy York, owner of YORK Food + Wine, died at home, staff members from the shop shared on the café's social media page. 'He will be deeply missed and has left us all feeling determined to make the most of the time we all have and to live like Tommy: caring for others, giving generous, being authentic, and smiling daily,' staff wrote. The cause of death was not mentioned. York got his start at coffee shop Espresso Royale and previously worked with Zingerman's Community of Businesses. He took sole ownership of YORK, previously called Morgan + York, in 2019. Although it originally focused on food and wine produced by artisans, the café has since become a neighborhood hub featuring food trucks and an outdoor gathering space. That space drove a boom during the coronavirus pandemic, York previously told MLive/The Ann Arbor News. Community leaders and other businesses owners remembered York as a positive spirit in the Ann Arbor business community. 'Tommy was a kind, thoughtful and generous friend, a true pillar of our community, and a man who could bring a smile to anyone's face,' wrote city Councilmember Travis Radina, noting that 'Ann Arbor will not be the same without him.' Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor said the community has 'lost one of the very best.' 'Tommy York brought light to those around him and was grateful for every minute,' Taylor wrote. 'He lifted up family, friends, and his community every single day.' Staff from Zingerman's Roadhouse also spoke about his impact on the community, noting thousands were touched by his 'smile and positive energy.' 'His generosity and kindness were legendary, and he will be missed dearly,' staff wrote on social media. Other mourning his death include Michigan Rep. James Morgan, D-Ann Arbor, and staff at TeaHaus in downtown Ann Arbor. 'His passing is a big loss, and he will be missed greatly,' Morgan wrote. 'He was an inspiration and a great guy,' TeaHaus staff wrote. 'Ann Arbor lost a legend.' York always 'gave with his entire self,' wrote YORK staff members. 'We are all better off for knowing Tommy,' they wrote. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page.