A Detroit native, Kate Williams grew up surrounded by a large Irish Catholic family where food and drink were the main event. After graduating from the French Culinary Institute in New York City, Williams spent time in Chicago where she served as Sous Chef to Wolfgang Puck. She then returned to Detroit for roles as Executive Chef at Detroit’s Republic Tavern and Rodin. Williams also cooked in Copenhagen at the famed Relae restaurant.
In September 2017, Kate opened her first restaurant, Lady of the House, in Detroit’s Corktown district. In its first year, Lady of the House was named James Beard Foundation semi-finalist for “Best New Restaurant, 2017”, and GQ “Best New Restaurant in America, 2018.” In May 2018 Williams received the honor of Food & Wine “Best New Chef 2018”.
Kate’s second restaurant, Karl’s, opened in August 2019 within The Siren Hotel in downtown Detroit. Karl’s takes inspiration from Chef Kate’s great-great-grandparents Anton and Elizabeth Karl, and the bakery they once owned on the East Side of Detroit. Offering all-day dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the menu at Karl’s is composed of quintessential luncheonette classics with a strong focus on technique and ingredients.