Margaret Anne Williams: Business Star, and Wife of a Celebrity Chef

When people hear the name Margaret Anne Williams, they often think of her as the wife of Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian. And yes, she is married to the famous chef. But that’s just one part of who she is.

Margaret is also a smart businesswoman, a loving mother, and a quiet powerhouse behind the scenes. She works hard, runs restaurants, raises kids, and helps build a brand that’s known all around the world.

In this article, we’ll explore her full story — from her early life in Florida to her career in hospitality and how she balances family with big business. Ready to meet the woman behind the success? Let’s begin.

Margaret Anne Williams Quick Bio

Where Is Margaret Anne Williams From?

Margaret Anne Williams was born in Tampa, Florida, on June 12, 1979. She grew up in a warm, business-focused family that always encouraged strong work and big dreams. Tampa is where she first learned about business, leadership, and how companies work.

Even though she later moved to New York City to study and build her career, Tampa stayed close to her heart. In fact, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she and her family moved back to Tampa for a while — proving just how special home still is to her.

What Was Her Childhood Like?

Margaret comes from a family that understands how to run things. Her dad, Francis M. Williams, is the CEO and chairman of Kimmins Contracting Corporation, a large company that works in construction and demolition. Her mom’s name is Marie Williams, and she has one sister, Debra Williams.

Being around her father’s business taught Margaret a lot. She saw what it takes to be a leader. She learned about responsibility, planning, and hard work. All of these lessons helped shape her future career. It’s no surprise that she became a strong leader herself later on.

How Did Margaret Start Her Career?

Margaret’s path started with education. She went to New York University (NYU) and studied Theatre and Business Marketing. That mix may sound unusual, but it gave her two important things: creativity and business skills.

After college, she quickly found her way into the hospitality world — a perfect fit for someone who loves both people and business. She didn’t just get a job. She made a name for herself in New York’s exciting restaurant scene.

Margaret’s First Big Jobs in Hospitality

One of her first big roles was as the Director of Marketing at 3Sixty Hospitality, a well-known hospitality company in New York. Even at a young age, Margaret was working with top venues. She helped launch popular restaurants and lounges like The Double Seven, Lotus, and Bond St. — all big names in New York’s nightlife.

She also played a key role in growing the Meatpacking District, helping it become one of NYC’s trendiest neighborhoods. At just 26, Margaret was already making big moves and becoming a respected name in the industry.

How Margaret Met Geoffrey Zakarian

So, how did a marketing executive like Margaret end up with a world-famous chef? The two met in 2002 at a business meeting in New York. Margaret was focused on hospitality marketing. Geoffrey was already an executive chef running high-end restaurants. Their paths crossed — and something clicked.

They first became friends, bonding over food, business, and their shared passion for excellence. That friendship soon grew into something more. And in 2005, after three years of dating, they tied the knot at Our Lady of Lebanon Roman Catholic Church in Niagara Falls, New York.

It was a beautiful moment that marked the beginning of a partnership — in love and in business.

Inside Their Happy Marriage

Fast forward to today, and Margaret and Geoffrey Zakarian have been married for over 17 years. In a world where many celebrity marriages don’t last, theirs is truly inspiring. They’re more than just a couple — they’re a team.

Geoffrey often praises Margaret in interviews and on social media. He’s called her kind, smart, honest, and his biggest support. They work together on every major business decision, attend food events side-by-side, and are raising their family with love and care.

It’s not always easy to mix business and marriage, but Margaret and Geoffrey make it work — and they make it look natural.

Margaret Anne Williams’ Kids and Family Life

Margaret is not just a business leader. She’s also a full-time mom. She and Geoffrey have three children:

• Madeline Zakarian, born in 2007

• Anna Zakarian, born in 2009

• George Harris Zakarian, born in 2014

The family is often seen together at events or in fun family photos on Instagram. Margaret loves spending time with her kids and helps guide them in their early passions — especially cooking! Madeline and Anna have already shown interest in becoming chefs, just like their dad.

During the pandemic, the Zakarians decided to move back to Tampa to enjoy more quiet family time. Margaret made sure her children had both love and learning at home, while still managing the family business.

What Is Zakarian Hospitality?

After getting married, Margaret Anne Williams didn’t just stay in the background. She joined her husband in building something special — their own business. Together, they started Zakarian Hospitality, and Margaret became the President.

The company runs high-end restaurants in different cities. Some of their most famous spots include The Lambs Club in New York, The National Bar and Dining Rooms, and The Water Club in Atlantic City. They also opened restaurants in Greenwich and even in Dubai.

Margaret helps manage these places. From the look of the menus to the overall customer experience — she’s deeply involved in everything. She makes sure each restaurant matches their brand: stylish, professional, and high-quality.

Margaret’s Products and Brands

Margaret didn’t stop at restaurants. She helped create several smart product lines that people can use at home. One of the biggest is Zakarian Pro for Home. It’s a collection of cooking tools, pans, and kitchen products made for home cooks who want chef-level results.

She also helped launch the Zakarian Collection, which includes tasty items like olive oil, tea, coffee, baked goods, poultry, beef, and other pantry products. These are sold online and in stores, so fans of their brand can enjoy the same quality at home.

Margaret even works on cookbooks with Geoffrey. They write down recipes, create food content, and share their cooking secrets. It’s all part of building a brand that feels helpful, smart, and easy to love.

Their TV and Media Company

In 2017, Margaret and Geoffrey took things even further. They started a media company called Corner Table Entertainment. This company makes shows, videos, and online content focused on food and hospitality.

The goal is to tell stories that go beyond just cooking. For example, they want to show how food connects people, how restaurants work, and what life is like behind the scenes.

Geoffrey even said he might step away from the camera soon, so Margaret and their partner Jared can help bring more voices and ideas to life. It’s a smart move that shows how deeply Margaret is involved in planning for the future.

Margaret Anne Williams’ Net Worth and Income

With all these restaurants, product lines, cookbooks, and now a media company, it’s no surprise that Margaret Anne Williams has built a lot of success. In 2025, her estimated net worth is around $6 to $8 million, most of it coming from her shared ventures with Geoffrey.

She doesn’t just “support” her husband — she helps run the entire brand. From planning the next big idea to managing everyday tasks, she plays a huge role. It’s clear that the Zakarian empire wouldn’t be the same without her.

And while her name may not always be in the spotlight, her work speaks for itself.

Why Margaret Is More Than Just a “Chef’s Wife”

Some people still call Margaret “the chef’s wife.” But that’s far from the full truth. Yes, she’s married to a celebrity chef. But she’s also a smart businesswoman, a skilled leader, and a hands-on mom.

She builds companies, develops products, works on branding, and takes care of her family — all at the same time. She’s the kind of person who doesn’t need to be loud to be powerful.

Margaret shows that real success isn’t always about being on TV. Sometimes, the person behind the scenes is the one making everything possible. That’s exactly who Margaret Anne Williams is.

Final Thoughts

Margaret Anne Williams and Geoffrey Zakarian have built something special — together. Their marriage is strong. Their family is close. And their business is growing every year.

Margaret shows us that being calm, focused, and smart can take you far. She proves that success doesn’t need to be flashy — it just needs to be real. Whether she’s launching a product, running a restaurant, or helping her kids with homework, she does it all with heart.

So next time you see Chef Geoffrey Zakarian on TV, remember this: behind the chef is a brilliant woman named Margaret Anne Williams — and she’s quietly changing the game.

(FAQs)

How old is Margaret Anne Williams?

Margaret Anne Williams was born on June 12, 1979, which makes her 46 years old in 2025 — and she’s still running a business empire!

How many kids does Margaret Anne Williams have?

She has three children with Geoffrey Zakarian, and her two daughters are already training to become chefs like their dad!

Who are Margaret Anne Williams’ parents?

Her father is Francis M. Williams, a powerful CEO of a major construction company in Tampa. She grew up surrounded by business success.

What is Margaret Anne Williams’ net worth?

Her net worth is around $6 to $8 million, thanks to her restaurants, product lines, and media company — and she built it all with her husband!

What is Margaret Anne Williams’ Instagram handle?

You can follow her on Instagram at @mzakarian — where she shares family moments, food, and her elegant lifestyle.