Founder and Director Emeritus

In 1956, Chuck Williams opened a hardware store in downtown Sonoma, California with the intention of converting it into a store specializing in French cookware.

Within two years

the shovels and electrical tape had been replaced with copper pans

and chef`s knives-and the first Williams-Sonoma store was born.

Chuck was introduced to classic, quality French cooking equipment, including unique items like omelet pans and soufflé molds, on his annual trip to France. Soon Williams-Sonoma became the country`s first comprehensive French cooking and serving equipment center.

I know we weren`t discussing electrical tape, but it`s part of the story.

the whole bio.http://www.williams-sonomainc.com/com/com_bio.cfm