Chuck Williams, founder of the culinary empire that is Williams-Sonoma, has died at the age of 100, according to the Washington Post. He passed away at his house in San Francisco. The man who brought high-end culinary tools into the homes of families across America died of natural causes on Saturday, according to NBC News.
The company broke the news of its founder's death on Facebook.
The Williams-Sonoma family has lost a dear friend, an inspiring mentor and our favorite cook. Chuck Williams’ spirit will live on forever in our kitchens – and in our hearts. #ChuckWilliams
Posted by Williams-Sonoma on Saturday, December 5, 2015
"The Williams-Sonoma family has lost a dear friend, an inspiring mentor and our favorite cook. Chuck Williams' spirit will live on forever in our kitchens - and in our hearts," the post read.
Williams opened the first ever Williams-Sonoma store in Sonoma, Calif. in 1956, according to Time. From that day on, the store grew - not only in size but - in scope and influence.
With his stores, Williams was able to make sure average Americans had access to kitchen tools that they had previously only dreamed of, like Kitchen Aid blenders, copper pans, and an array of utensils, according to the Washington Post.
Since its opening in 1956, the company has grown to include more than 250 stores across America, according to the Washington Post.
Williams sold the company in 1979, but remained a prominent influence in its growth and expansion, according to NBC News.
