Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken Honored as Cherry Bombe Icons

Cherry Bombe Media has announced its 2026 Power List, recognizing the women shaping the future of food, drink, and agriculture. The annual list celebrates influential chefs, bakers, farmers, writers, founders, creators, and changemakers whose work is transforming the industry.

“Every year, our team is reminded that power takes many forms. It can look like building a business, mentoring the next generation, championing a community, telling important stories, or simply showing up with courage and conviction day after day. The women on the Power List are doing all of that and more.” - Kerry Diamond, Founder of Cherry Bombe

At the Second Annual Cherry Bombe Power Awards, held at The Maybourne Beverly Hills, Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken were presented with the 2026 Icons of the Year Award, recognizing their extraordinary contributions to the culinary world and their decades-long commitment to leadership, mentorship, and advocacy.

In honoring the chef-restaurateurs, Cherry Bombe celebrated Feniger and Milliken as "chefs, restaurateurs, television pioneers, cookbook authors, and two of the most inspiring life forces in food." The organization highlighted their trailblazing careers—from starring in the groundbreaking television series Too Hot Tamales before food television became a cultural phenomenon, to opening Border Grill as the first women-led restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip, while championing regional Mexican cuisine long before it entered the mainstream.

Beyond their culinary achievements, Cherry Bombe recognized the pair's enduring commitment to service. Susan Feniger has dedicated years of leadership to the Los Angeles LGBT Center and serves on the board of the Scleroderma Research Foundation. Mary Sue Milliken is Director Emeritus of Share Our Strength, the nonprofit behind No Kid Hungry, and a co-founder of Regarding Her, supporting women entrepreneurs in hospitality.

As Cherry Bombe concluded in its tribute: "For decades, they have shown that leadership is about service, advocacy, and creating opportunities for others, and their enduring partnership is an inspiration to all of us."

The recognition celebrates more than four decades of innovation, mentorship, and culinary excellence, honoring Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken as two of the industry's most influential and enduring leaders.