Advance Restaurant Technology: How Susan Lucas's Legacy Inspires Change

Working Together to Advance the Industry: Susan Lucas Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award

Championing Progress in Restaurant Technology

Susan Lucas, CIO of Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant, is a transformative figure in the restaurant technology landscape. Recently honored with the Top Women in Restaurant Technology Lifetime Achievement Award at MURTEC 2025, Lucas has spent her career advocating for collaboration and innovation, marking her as a leader whose impact transcends individual businesses.

Shaping the Future Through Innovation

With her instrumental role in the Restaurant Technology Network (RTN) and the development of the RTN Open API Framework, Lucas has been at the forefront of enhancing efficiency and collaboration within the industry. She believes that the key to success lies in leveraging technology to create smarter, data-driven decisions that can significantly enhance guest experiences.

Looking Ahead: Data, Automation, and Personalization

As restaurant technology continues to evolve, Lucas identifies three pivotal areas: data utilization for informed decision-making, automation designed to enhance operations without displacing staff, and personalization that delivers tailored guest experiences. These innovations are reshaping how restaurants operate, allowing them to respond dynamically to consumer needs.

The Importance of Mentorship

A strong advocate for mentorship, Lucas encourages sharing knowledge and guidance across generations. She highlights the importance of learning from both seasoned veterans and emerging leaders, fostering a culture where insights and innovations flow freely among all levels of the industry.

A Personal Journey of Growth

Lucas’s interest in technology blossomed unexpectedly through a college course in computer science. After her first stint in the restaurant industry as an interim IT leader, she realized her passion for integrating technology with hospitality. This experience set her on a path filled with challenges and opportunities that have shaped her rewarding career.

Collective Recognition and Community

Winning the Lifetime Achievement Award is not just a personal milestone for Lucas; she views it as a celebration of her collaborative journey filled with support from teams, mentors, and friends. Echoing her belief, she states that success is built on teamwork and shared achievements within the hospitality sector.

Through hard work and a relentless spirit, Susan Lucas exemplifies how dedication to innovation and mentorship can profoundly influence restaurant technology. Her journey serves as an inspiration for restaurant owners and managers seeking to harness the power of technology while fostering a collaborative community.

Hospitality

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