Rising Star Mary White Is Redefining Restaurant Tech With a Human Touch
Mary White, Digital Program Manager at Union Square Hospitality Group was presented with the Rising Star in Restaurant Technology Award at MURTEC 2025 Experience Matters in Las Vegas.
The Rising Star Award is presented to individuals in the early stages of their careers who have made notable contributions to their organization.
White exemplifies this through her unique blend of empathy and technical acumen—skills she’s used to lead transformational projects at Union Square Hospitality Group.
Destined for Restaurant Tech
In many ways, White was destined for a career in restaurant technology.
Her parents met working in a restaurant, and her father made sure she was computer literate before she started kindergarten. After starting her career in digital marketing and technology, White’s love for hospitality led her to culinary school to pursue a professional pastry certification while working full time. Through that journey, an unexpected career opportunity emerged: White began managing and mentoring associates who were starting their careers in technology and training employees across global GTM teams.
“That experience was eye-opening. I saw firsthand how intimidating and complex technology can feel, and I learned how to adapt my approach to help people gain confidence, no matter what their background or experience level,” White recalls.
Marrying Innovation with Hospitality
That perspective shaped how she approaches restaurant technology today. “We’re asking teams to trust and embrace new tools, but not everyone has the same level of comfort with technology,” White explains. “My experience has helped me bridge that gap, ensuring technology feels like an asset and not a hurdle. Marrying innovation with hospitality has proven to be such a privilege; I don’t have to choose between my background in technology and my passion for food. Instead, I get to focus on making a meaningful impact on how people come together to eat.”
Improving the Guest & Employee Experience
Union Square Hospitality Group’s ethos for technology and innovation aligns closely with what she’s most passionate about.
“I believe technology should enhance both the employee and guest experience, helping guests feel more connected to their dining experience while also improving the way employees work. To me, the best innovations are the ones that remove friction and streamline processes, allowing employees to focus more on their craft rather than administrative burdens,” she says.
One collegue describes White as "a changemaker who brings stakeholders along the journey to foster excitement, rather than fear, about digital transformation."
One standout project: launching next-day pay for employees. “Improving financial independence and flexibility within the hospitality industry is so important for improving the employee experience and overall retention,” White says. “This initiative required deep cross-functional collaboration, process overhauls, and a commitment to advocating for what’s best for our people. Seeing it come to life and knowing it makes a difference in employees’ day-to-day lives is something I’m incredibly proud of,” White says.
Looking Ahead
White is excited about the potential for AI to elevate personalized hospitality—like remembering a guest’s wine preferences.
“As the public becomes more exposed to AI, their expectations will evolve. Instead of looking up specific restaurant names, guests will increasingly rely on AI-driven search and chatbots to find options that fit their needs, like, ‘a romantic restaurant near Union Square with vegan options at 6:30 PM on Friday for two.’ Right now, a search like that returns scattered, generalized results. In the future, I foresee technology streamlining this process, making it easier for guests to find exactly what they’re looking for,” White predicts.
Paying it Forward
Mentorship as a mentor and a mentee has played a significant role in shaping White’s career.
"Mentorship is about creating space for others to grow, feel valued, and push beyond what they thought was possible. I’m grateful to those who have done that for me and honored to do the same for others.
“I’ve been fortunate to coach and teach throughout my career, and I truly believe that you learn so much more by teaching,” White says. “Mentoring others has pushed me to lead with empathy and an open mind, adapt to different learning styles, refine how I communicate, and constantly evolve in how I support and work with different people.”
On Recognition
Receiving the Rising Star Award is more than a milestone, it’s validation she’s on the right path. “ I took a leap of faith to find my place in the hospitality and restaurant industry, not knowing exactly where it would lead. Being recognized so early in my journey reaffirms that I’m right where I’m meant to be, making a meaningful impact in a space I’m deeply passionate about,” she says.
The Top Women in Restaurant Technology Awards and Rising Star Awards, sponsored by Milagro, were presented at MURTEC on March 11. Nominations for the 2026 Top Women in Restaurant Technology and the Rising Star in Restaurant Technology will open December 1.