Working Together to Advance the Industry: Susan Lucas Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
Susan Lucas, CIO of Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, was honored with the Top Women in Restaurant Technology Lifetime Achievement Award at MURTEC 2025: Experience Matters. Her contributions extend far beyond individual companies—Lucas has been a driving force in advancing restaurant technology industry-wide.
A key contributor to the Restaurant Technology Network (RTN) and the groundbreaking RTN Open API Framework, Lucas has helped shape the future of restaurant technology through innovation, collaboration, and efficiency.
Streamlining the Work Experience
Lucas is passionate about leveraging technology to enhance operations and improve guest experiences. She thrives on collaborating with business partners and stakeholders to implement solutions that streamline work and elevate service standards.
Harnessing the Power of Data
For Lucas, data is the key to smarter decision-making. She emphasizes the importance of using data-driven insights to optimize strategies, personalize guest experiences, and drive operational efficiency.
The Future of Restaurant Technology
Lucas is energized by the rapid evolution of restaurant technology, and sees three key areas at the forefront:
- Data, Data, Data – Smarter insights to drive business decisions.
- Automation – Streamlining operations, not replacing jobs, but enhancing the guest and employee experience.
- Personalization – Putting guests in control, delivering tailored experiences without feeling intrusive.
"It’s exciting to see the restaurant industry catching up with others as technology continues to evolve and drive business," she says.
A Career Sparked by Curiosity
Lucas’s journey into restaurant technology happened by chance.
"I started out unsure of what I wanted to be when I grew up," she recalls. A computer science elective in college ignited her interest, leading her to combine tech and business—a decision made even more meaningful when she and a lifelong friend became the only two women in their program.
After years in technology, Lucas’s first taste of the restaurant industry came as an interim IT leader. The experience opened her eyes to the passion, excitement, and challenges of integrating technology into hospitality—and she never looked back.
On Mentorship: Giving Back to the Industry
Lucas is a firm believer in mentorship, sponsorship, and advocacy.
"Early in my career, I underestimated the power of mentorship, both as a mentee and mentor," she says. "It’s incredibly rewarding—you gain valuable insights whether you’re the one giving or receiving guidance."
She also values cross-generational mentorship, learning from both seasoned experts and emerging leaders who bring fresh perspectives.
A Humbling Recognition
Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award is a deeply personal moment for Lucas.
"It’s a celebration of the journey—the challenges, the fun, and the friendships along the way," she says. "I couldn’t have done it alone. My teams, mentors, and colleagues have been a part of my story every step of the way."
For Lucas, success isn’t just about personal accomplishments—it’s about paving the way for the next generation of restaurant technology leaders.
The Top Women in Restaurant Technology Awards and Rising Star Awards, sponsored by Milagro, were presented at MURTEC on March 11.