Merchant of Sonoma: Pioneer of the American Kitchen

by William Warren

For the first time, the personal life story of one of America’s greatest culinary Chuck Williams, founder of Williams-Sonoma.

Lovers of food, history, and great entrepreneurial success stories alike will be amazed to meet one of the most highly influential—and yet virtually unknown—figures of the American food Chuck Williams, founder of Williams-Sonoma. Growing up during the Great Depression and building airplanes and houses during WWII little prepared Chuck for his first trip to Paris in 1953. There, he fell in love with something most Americans had never seen professional-caliber French cookware. Within a few years, he acquired a hardware store in the California wine country and started selling a few sauté pans, soufflé dishes, and brioche tins. What followed is history, as Williams-Sonoma has grown to become the leading cookware retailer in America. Readers will be surprised and delighted to discover the inimitable personality behind it all, whose love of good food, passion for customer service, and legendary good taste helped transform the American kitchen.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published October 4, 2011

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway. It is signed by Chuck Williams. To Mr. Williams, thank you!

I have always been impressed with the Williams-Sonoma stores. And I enjoyed learning about them and the man who put his heart and soul into their beginning, growth, and success.

Mr. Williams has had wonderful life experiences and friendships with some of the greatest chefs in the world. I loved all the stories.

The recipes (and their stories) a definitely an added bonus in the book. I love to cook. I will enjoy trying them.

This book has been a pleasure to read.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, but I wish there were a lot more details about the early years-both in his life as well as the business. Even though he had a very public persona, he was an extremely private man. Because this book was written when he was still alive, that may be the reason that so much is left untold. Regardless, I enjoyed it enough to read it in two days, and was fascinated to learn the history of Williams-Sonoma, one of my all time favorite stores.

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit disappointed, but perhaps my expectations were too high. It was a plain read, detailing how the store grew from a small San Francisco shopfront into a thriving national corporation. The part that felt lacking was the explanation of the store's success- nothing more than the owner having a keen eye for merchandise and inability to give up control.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting biography of Chuck Williams and history of Williams-Sonoma.Enjoyed very much.

[Lorraine Sulick-Morecraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding biography of the man, the store and recipes too. Chuck Williams was truly "Pioneer of the American Kitchen."