Williams-Sonoma and Chef Tyler Florence commence a joint venture in culinary innovation as Florence kicks off West Coast tour dates for the release of his book Inside The Test Kitchen. Williams-Sonoma and The Florence Group will leverage mutual brand synergies to identify emerging trends in the culinary market and bring customers new concepts and products sold exclusively through Williams-Sonoma stores and Tyler Florence Test Kitchen based in Mill Valley, California, scheduled to open in 2015.

Florence remarks, “I have great respect for Chuck Williams and the culinary legacy he created with Williams-Sonoma. He’s a retail visionary and his work has influenced how I approached my own career so it’s a privilege to be partnering with the brand.” Williams-Sonoma President Janet Hayes adds, “Tyler is a dynamic and talented Chef with a wealth of inspiring ideas; we greatly value the contributions he brings to the collaboration.”

The collaboration between Williams-Sonoma and Florence also includes the development and sharing of original content such as new recipes, tips and technique videos produced on-location at both the brand’s and Florence’s test kitchens. Broadcasts will reflect seasonal themes, and relevant ingredients, and equipment along with product recommendations. Monthly web-based programs will debut across digital and social platforms as well as in the Williams-Sonoma catalog beginning with a spotlight on Thanksgiving with Tyler’s Complete Meal. The book tour commenced this month in Texas. Additional December dates include Stanford 12/5, South Coast Plaza and Beverly Hills 12/6 and Corte Madera 12/10. For more information on the tour dates and purchasing the book visit http://www.williams-sonoma.com/pages/store-events/store-events/book-signing.html.

About Williams-Sonoma

Since its founding by Chuck Williams in 1956, the Williams-Sonoma brand has been bringing people together around food. A member of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM) portfolio of brands, Williams-Sonoma is a leading specialty retailer of high-quality products for the kitchen and home, providing world-class service and an engaging customer experience. Products include cookware, cooks’ tools, cutlery, electrics, bakeware, food, tabletop and bar, outdoor, cookbooks, as well as furniture, lighting and decorative accessories. Each store has a professional demonstration kitchen for cooking classes and tastings conducted by expert culinary staff. Williams-Sonoma Cooking Schools, located in select locations in the U.S. and Australia, offer hands-on classes led by professional chefs. A comprehensive gift registry program for weddings and other special events is available in stores and online. On williams-sonoma.com and the Williams-Sonoma blog, Taste, customers can find recipes, tips and techniques that help them create delicious meals and wonderful memories.