We are saddened to share the news that the Williams-Sonoma family has lost a dear friend, an inspiring mentor and our favorite cook. Williams-Sonoma founder Chuck Williams died peacefully from natural causes. He was 100 years old.
Chuck was an influential member of the food community, a true friend to many, and a great leader at Williams-Sonoma. He founded Williams-Sonoma in 1956, when he transformed a small hardware shop in downtown Sonoma into the very first Williams-Sonoma store. As Williams-Sonoma grew, so did Chuck’s influence—and his curiosity. Even as the head of the company, Chuck loved to travel and meet the people who made the food and meals he loved so much.
“Chuck taught us that when we open our doors to a customer, we welcome a friend into our home,” said Laura Alber, president and CEO of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. “He had impeccable taste, unique insight for selecting the right products at the right time, and the highest standard of customer service. He has left us with this unique legacy. Most of all, Chuck was our mentor and our friend. We will miss him dearly.”
Chuck often remarked that his deep appreciation for products and relationships that last a lifetime served as his compass at Williams-Sonoma. “If you love what you do, the world will fall in love with you,” he said. Chuck’s legacy lives on in the values of Williams-Sonoma and the lessons he taught us all about cooking, hard work, and making your dreams come to life.
Today we at Williams-Sonoma will all be raising a glass to our inspiring founder and a life well-lived. Chuck Williams’ spirit will live on forever in our kitchens—and in our hearts.
Learn more about Chuck’s life and legacy here.
17 comments
[…] Saturday, Williams-Sonoma founder Chuck Williams died at the age of 100. As we look back on his life, we celebrate it, and the culinary legacy that he left behind for the […]
Mr. Williams was such an inspiration to me. I read his biography a couple of years ago and was just amazed at his passion, which helped my own to grow. The Williams Sonoma stores have always been my very favorite…almost requiring a moment of silence before entering….. What a wonderful and full life he had. He will be missed. May his passion continue to thrive in all of us.
“Do what you love and eat well” ~ Chuck Williams
May you rest in peace.
Your story and work is and has been an exemple, insperacional to me….
Very sad news. Mr, Williams lived a full and prosperous life. Had the pleasure of meeting him while employed at the company. Christmas time in a Williams-Sonoma store is unlike any other!!! RIP …..
Sad newd. May you rest in peace.
Thank you for all of the years of pleasurable shopping, cooking and sipping.
Very sad news! With all Mr. Williams Sonoma’ Family, I am sharing the sadness of a great loss!
Yes, Mr. Williams Sonoma is truly a great inspiration to many people! It is magical moments to enter and walk around William Sonoma’s stores… Like a fairy land… Even browsing the pages of a catalog, now visiting the internet website. My family and I spend hours to admire all these innovative and the best cooking tools… From the first time we visited the W.S. store, we found and bought the needed items, and continued to buy from this Store… I recommend it to everyone…
Mr. Williams Sonoma’s life accomplishment will continue to grow and help many future generations.
Rest In Peace, You live in our hearts forever!
Thank You so Much for Everything You have done and gave us!
I never got the pleasure of meeting Chuck, but I’m positive I’ve been inspired by him!
Rest in Peace, Mr. Williams and thank you for all you’ve given us.
What a truly inspirational legend- who taught many of us to lead with heart.
Thank you for All you gave us Mr.Williams. Enjoy lots of good food and great wine up there! Rest in Peace.
So very sorry to hear of Chuck Williams’ passing. He was such an inspiration to me. I still remember the first time I visited the Williams-Somoma at Copley Place in Boston in the late 80.At the time, it was the only W-S in Massachusetts. It was magical! The copper pots! The brioche molds as and fluted tart pans! The European knives! Now, even 30 years later, I still feel that same magic every time I cross the threshold of a Williams-Sonoma. And somehow, I think that would make your founder happy. What an amazing life. What an amazing man. So happy he saw his 100th birthday. May he rest in peace. Thank you, Mr. Williams!
So sorry to hear of Chuck Williams passing. His legacy shall live on forever in his stores. Sending love and prayers to his family and friends.
I’m so sorry to hear this. What a wonderful long life he had! Let’s celebrate that!
So sad to hear of the passing of Chuck Williams. He has been such a blessing to many – let us all remember him by continuing to make wonderful food and through entertaining our friends and families!!
I had the privilege of meeting him several times during my career at WSI. Truly inspiring. RIP Chuck, you will be missed.
Sad news.