Charlee Williamson: What’s in Your Bag?
For this edition of What’s in Your Bag? we spoke to Charlee Williamson, Executive Vice President for Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group. Williamson leads company marketing, sales, technology, analytics, and West Coast operations for six independent restaurants and a catering company.
Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group includes Brennan’s, Red Fish Grill, Napoleon House, Ralph’s on the Park, Cafe NOMA, Ralph Brennan Catering & Events in New Orleans, and Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif.
A 25-year veteran of the restaurant industry, Williamson has been instrumental in building private event sales teams and delivering the company’s mission of making people happy and enjoying the thrill of doing so.
A self-described “marketing technologist,” Williamson oversees technology initiatives by adopting digital solutions like Tripleseat that drive revenue, engagement, and operational efficiencies to improve each restaurant’s financial position and conceptual offerings.
Williamson began her foodservice career at TCBY Yogurt and is a lifelong resident of New Orleans. She earned an advertising degree from the University of Texas at Austin and an MBA from Tulane University. She is a married mom of 9-year-old twin daughters, and when she’s not at work, she can be found at the soccer field or Pilates studio. Williamson is secretary of the board of trustees at her children’s school and sits on the Entrepreneurial Hospitality Advisory Board at Tulane’s Freeman School of Business.
The bag
Stella McCartney midnight blue Falabella chain-stitched tote bag.
The essentials
8Greens
I start my busy day with an energy boost from 8Greens, a tablet made from dehydrated greens (spinach, kale, and organic blue green algae, spirulina, chlorella, barley grass, and Aloe vera), and vitamins. At just 10 calories, there’s always opportunity later to indulge in dessert (or champagne).
Isle Jacobsen Tulip Shoes
Comfort is queen when moving on foot between Ralph Brennan’s three French Quarter restaurants. These Denmark-made flexible, athletic rubber sole shoes feel like slippers and can be dressed up or down.
Aesop Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Balm
I discovered Aesop personal care products a decade ago as in-room amenities at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Tokyo and have been a fan ever since. The feel of the hand balm is luxurious and the scent is intoxicating.
Anker PowerCore Fusion Power Delivery
The Anker combined portable battery and wall charger is essential on days when I need to last longer than my phone. This Anker dual device rapidly charges my computer and mobile devices with or without outlet access; an occupational hazard!
SmartSweets
I often eat at odd hours — it’s the nature of a job where you work while others play. For snack attacks, Sour Blast Buddies and Sweet Fish from SmartSweets are always in my bag. Free from artificial colors and sweeteners, they are plant-based, high fiber, low sugar, and refreshingly delicious!