Tommy York, the founder of York Food + Drink on Packard Street in Ann Arbor, has died at age 60.

Staff members announced York's death in a Sunday, Sept. 6, Facebook post, saying he died at home, the Detroit Free Press reported. No cause of death was given. The news was also shared by Ann Arbor residents, including in a post by Larry La Fountain.

By Sept. 6, flowers and memorials had begun appearing outside the doors of York Food + Drink, according to the Free Press.

Born George Thomas York III in 1966 in Detroit, York lived in Ann Arbor for more than 35 years. He got his start at coffee shop Espresso Royale and later worked with Zingerman's Community of Businesses before building York Food + Drink into a neighborhood fixture, MLive reported.

The shop became a café, deli, wine bar and events space inspired by European markets. It has often been voted "Best Wine Shop" in the Ann Arbor area, according to the business's website. An outdoor gathering space with food trucks drove a boom during the coronavirus pandemic.

York was also known for volunteering across the community. He coached youth archery and hosted events to benefit local food pantries, the business's website states.

Ann Arbor City Councilmember Travis Radina called York "a kind, thoughtful and generous friend, a true pillar of our community, and a man who could bring a smile to anyone's face," writing on Facebook that "Ann Arbor will not be the same without him," MLive reported.

Mayor Christopher Taylor said on Facebook that York "brought light to those around him" and that the community had "lost one of the very best." Zingerman's Roadhouse staff wrote that York's generosity and kindness were legendary and that thousands had been touched by his smile and positive energy, according to MLive.

York is survived by his wife, Julie Harkema, sons Lincoln and Aedan York, parents MaryGrace Carroll and George Thomas York Jr., brother Jamie York and sister Molly York Stelovich.

A celebration of life is scheduled from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13, at York Food + Drink, 1928 Packard St., according to the Detroit Free Press. Remarks begin at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Swoop's Food Pantry, Common Cycle, Michigan's Department of Natural Resources or the cause of one's choice.