Williams-Sonoma Founder Chuck Williams Dies at 100

The founder of luxury cooking shop Williams-Sonoma has died at age 100.

Chuck Williams died of natural causes at his home in San Francisco on Saturday, CNN reports.

“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 company said in a Facebook post.

Williams opened his first store in 1956 in downtown Sonoma, specializing in French cookware. According to a company fact sheet on its founder, Williams had reviewed more than 11,000 Williams-Sonoma recipes since 1992, and firmly believed that a dinner party should consist of no more than six people.