Behind celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian’s television success is a business story that receives far less attention. Margaret Anne Williams, widely known as Margaret Zakarian, has built a career around hospitality, restaurant marketing, brand development, consumer products and media.
She may be recognised by many as Geoffrey Zakarian’s wife, but her professional background stands on its own. After studying at New York University, she entered New York’s restaurant world and gained experience marketing some of the city’s well-known hospitality concepts. She later became President of Zakarian Hospitality, helping shape the business behind the chef’s restaurants, products and media projects.
Margaret Anne Williams has generally maintained a quieter public image than her husband, yet her influence can be seen across the Zakarian brand. From restaurant launches to kitchen products and charitable work, her career shows how strategy and hospitality can work together behind a public-facing culinary name.
Quick Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Margaret Anne Williams |
| Also Known As | Margaret Zakarian |
| Profession | Hospitality Executive, Marketing Executive, Businesswoman |
| Known For | President of Zakarian Hospitality and wife of Geoffrey Zakarian |
| Education | New York University |
| Husband | Geoffrey Zakarian |
| Marriage Year | 2005 |
| Children | Three – Madeline, Anna and George |
| Industry | Hospitality, Restaurants, Branding and Media |
| Notable Role | President of Zakarian Hospitality |
| Business Ventures | Zakarian Pro For Home, Zakarian Collection |
| Charity Involvement | City Harvest Food Council |
| Nationality | American |
What Is Margaret Anne Williams’ Background?
She graduated from New York University before beginning her restaurant career with the group behind venues including Republic, Indochine, Bond St., Thom Bar and A60. She later became Director of Marketing for Lotus, a notable restaurant and nightclub in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District.
Her work at Lotus also included involvement in the Meatpacking District Initiative and marketing for The Double Seven cocktail bar. These roles helped establish her experience in restaurant marketing, hospitality branding and customer experience.
How Did Margaret Build Zakarian Hospitality?
In 2005, Margaret married Geoffrey Zakarian, the celebrity chef, restaurateur and television personality. The couple then built a hospitality business together, beginning an important chapter with the restaurant Country. Their portfolio later included The Lambs Club and The National in New York, along with work on The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel.
Today, Margaret Anne Williams is identified as President of Zakarian Hospitality. Her role has focused on brand growth, design, marketing and the wider customer experience, complementing Geoffrey’s culinary expertise.
What Other Business and Media Projects Has She Worked On?
Margaret Anne Williams has helped expand the Zakarian brand beyond restaurants. She developed and launched Zakarian Pro For Home, a range of cookware, kitchen tools and electrical products, as well as the Zakarian Collection of food products.
In 2017, she also became involved as an executive producer with Corner Table Entertainment, adding a media and production dimension to the family business. This move showed how the Zakarian brand was developing beyond traditional restaurant hospitality.
What Is Known About Her Family and Charity Work?
Margaret and Geoffrey Zakarian have three children. Their daughters, Madeline and Anna Zakarian, have also entered the food space, including co-authoring a family cookbook.
Outside business, Margaret has been associated with City Harvest’s Food Council and the Young Presidents Organization’s Metro chapter, reflecting her involvement in professional leadership and food-related community work.
Conclusion
Margaret Anne Williams is more than the spouse of a famous chef. Her career combines restaurant marketing, hospitality leadership, product development and media strategy.
While Geoffrey Zakarian remains the more visible public figure, Margaret’s work has helped build the business structure surrounding the Zakarian name. Her story shows that some of the most important people in hospitality are not always standing in front of the cameras.
Also read: Who Is Rita Williams-Ewing and How Did She Build a Life Beyond Patrick Ewing?
(FAQs)
Who is Margaret Anne Williams?
Margaret Anne Williams is an American hospitality and marketing executive, also known as Margaret Zakarian. She serves as President of Zakarian Hospitality.
Who is Margaret Anne Williams married to?
She has been married to celebrity chef and television personality Geoffrey Zakarian since 2005.
What does Margaret Zakarian do?
She works across hospitality, marketing, brand development, consumer products and media, with a major leadership role in Zakarian Hospitality.
Where did Margaret Zakarian study?
She graduated from New York University before beginning her career in the restaurant and hospitality industry.
How many children does she have?
Margaret and Geoffrey Zakarian have three children: daughters Madeline and Anna and a son, George.
Is Margaret Zakarian involved in charity work?
Yes. Her public biography notes her membership in City Harvest’s Food Council.
