Susan Feniger: Culinary Chef
Celebrity chef, restaurateur, and keynote speaker Susan Feniger inspires audiences through culinary innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership built on creativity, collaboration, and fearless reinvention.
Quick Facts:
- Co-founder of the acclaimed Border Grill restaurant empire
- Award-winning chef, author, and entrepreneur
- Culinary Institute of America graduate
- Trailblazing female leader in the restaurant industry
- Formats: Keynote Speaker, Celebrity Chef, and Entrepreneur
- Audiences: Corporate audiences, hospitality professionals, entrepreneurs, leadership teams, and organizations seeking insights on innovation, creativity, and business growth.
- Outcomes:
- Inspire innovation and entrepreneurial thinking
- Build resilient, collaborative, and creative teams
- Learn leadership lessons from high-performance hospitality environments
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- **Fee range: $50,001 - $75,000
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
Inspirational
Causes
Susan is on the board of two organizations: the LA LGBT Center, and the Scleroderma Research Foundation. In addition, she was raised in a family that emphasized giving back (tutoring as a kid). How to involve giving back in your daily life and career, and teaching our team of young kids these values.
Career
As one of the original celebrity chefs, Susan has been a remarkable example of breaking out of the mold. Not only as one of the first serious female chefs, but also, moving out of the kitchen and creating food as entertainment. From her partnership with Mary Sue Milliken, to her travels around the world, to opening restaurants in LA and Las Vegas, Susan is exceptional in that she is completely career driven, while still being extremely passionate about what she does.
Passion
How passion speaks…not only in fundraising, but also as an employer, employee, talking to investors. Passion is a powerful thing, and also very contagious. Utilizing your passion in a positive way for yourself and others.
Travel
Susan’s love of travel has been immensely important to her career. Bringing foods from one culture to another and educating diners on new foods. Researching other foods is best when you travel. Learning about other cultures through their food.
Partnerships
Working with Michael Eisner. Also, having a business partner for 35 years, versus taking on a solo venture. Not to mention, doing both at the same time!
Sustainability
Susan’s involvement with Seafood Watch (Monterey Bay Aquarium). Leading the charge in terms of buying local, supporting farmers, using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Understanding where your food comes from, raising awareness about how the food gets to your plate, and then applying the awareness to making responsible food choices.
Talent Short Bio
Susan Feniger is a celebrated chef, restaurateur, author, and entrepreneur whose groundbreaking career has helped redefine the American culinary landscape. Best known for her long-standing partnership with Mary Sue Milliken, Susan co-created the iconic Border Grill restaurant empire, bringing authentic regional Mexican cuisine and bold global flavors to audiences across the United States.
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Susan broke barriers early in her career as one of the first women to work in Chicago’s prestigious Le Perroquet kitchen. She later refined her skills at Wolfgang Puck’s legendary Ma Maison in Los Angeles and on the French Riviera before launching City Café in 1981—a pioneering concept that introduced eclectic international cuisine to Los Angeles diners.
Her entrepreneurial vision continued with the creation of CITY restaurant and the original Border Grill, which evolved from a modest taco stand into a nationally recognized culinary brand with locations spanning Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and LAX International Airport. Susan has also launched successful ventures including Mud Hen Tavern and a line of prepared foods distributed through Whole Foods Market.
Read Full Bio
Susan Feniger is a celebrated chef, author, and entrepreneur. Her professional collaboration with Mary Sue Milliken (CITY, Ciudad, Too Hot Tamales) has led to the groundbreaking Border Grill empire, with locations in Santa Monica, Downtown LA, LAX Airport Tom Bradley International Terminal, Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay, and a second outpost in Las Vegas at The Forum Shops opened in October 2014. In 2013, Susan welcomed her new solo venture, the beloved Mud Hen Tavern in Hollywood.
A classically trained graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, she was a trailblazer from the start, landing a job at Chicago’s famed Le Perroquet as one of the first women in the all-male kitchen. Following that, Feniger worked at Wolfgang Puck’s infamous Ma Maison in Los Angeles, and then further honed her culinary skills on the French Riviera. Susan Feniger opened City Café in 1981, which forever changed the culinary landscape of L.A. by offering eclectic dishes from around the world.
This led to a much larger CITY restaurant in 1985, a pivotal year in which the tiny space was transformed into the first Border Grill, a “taco stand” serving authentic home cooking and street foods of Mexico. The strength of the brand also led to a line of prepared foods under the “Border Girls” name at Whole Food Markets, and the transformation of Ciudad (1998-2010) in downtown Los Angeles to encompass another Border Grill restaurant.
A natural teacher, Susan has co-authored six cookbooks, including her latest, Susan Feniger’s Street Food. Susan Feniger is a veteran of 396 episodes of The Food Network’s popular Too Hot Tamales and Tamales World Tour series and competed on Bravo’s Top Chef Masters in 2010.
Looking to book this speaker for your next event?
At Speakers Inc., we connect you with the perfect speaker for your audience.
👉 Contact our team to check availability and secure your speaker
https://speakersinc.com/contact-us/speakers-inc/
👉 Watch more speaker videos on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@speakersincUSA/
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Deposits and securing a booking
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
You may be interested in...
- Global Macro Investor
- Aerialist Performer
- Customer Experience
- The Hope Whisperer
He inspires resilience, confidence, and growth through real-life lessons.
- Motivational Speaker
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.