Q&A: Jennifer Karpinsky – 2025 Top Women in Restaurant Technology Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
We’re thrilled to share that Jennifer Karpinsky, our Vice President of Business Development, has been honored with the prestigious Top Women in Restaurant Technology Lifetime Achievement Award at MURTEC 2025 in Las Vegas! Jennifer’s leadership, innovation, and vision have been instrumental in driving our success. To celebrate this incredible achievement, we sat down with Jennifer to learn more about her journey and her thoughts on the future of restaurant technology.
What inspired you to pursue a career in restaurant technology? How did you begin your journey?
The restaurant industry has always been a passion of mine, especially the incredible people who bring it to life. It’s been a constant part of my journey for as long as I can remember.
Early in my career, I focused on training and operations, working closely with teams to streamline processes and create unforgettable guest experiences. As technology started transforming the industry, I realized how the right tools could make life so much easier for restaurant teams, letting them focus on what truly matters: the people. That realization sparked a passion in me to explore restaurant technology, finding ways to help operators and their teams do more with less effort.
Joining QSR Automations was a perfect fit. The QSR team allowed me to combine my love for empowering teams with innovative solutions that make a difference every day.
What parts of restaurant technology excite you the most?
I’m deeply passionate about technology that transforms the way restaurant teams work. From streamlining kitchen operations to improving communication between front- and back-of-house or enhancing the guest experience, I’m drawn to solutions that ease the workload for operators and staff.
It’s not just about efficiency—it’s about building smarter, more sustainable ways for restaurants to thrive while keeping hospitality at the core.
What impact has mentorship had on your career?
Like many professionals, mentorship has been a cornerstone of my career, a driving force that’s shaped who I am and how I lead. I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors who pushed me beyond my limits, opened doors I didn’t even know existed, and inspired me to dream bigger.
Now, it’s my turn to give back. Helping others navigate their careers, uncover their potential, and find their confidence is not just something I do—it’s something I deeply believe in. There’s nothing more fulfilling than watching someone I’ve mentored thrive and achieve their goals. It’s proof that investing in others creates a ripple effect of growth and success.
Which restaurant technologies are you most excited about for 2025? How do you envision the future of restaurant technology?
I’m really excited about the evolution of automation—not as a replacement for people, but as a game-changing support system for restaurant teams.
The way AI and data-driven insights are advancing is incredible, empowering operators to make smarter, faster decisions while easing the pressure on their teams. And this is just the beginning! I’m convinced we’re headed toward a future where seamless tech integrations will completely transform restaurant operations, creating a smooth, connected experience from start to finish.
The future of restaurant tech isn’t just about speed—it’s about revolutionizing life for operators, staff, and guests.
What professional achievement are you most proud of?
I couldn’t be more proud of the work I’ve done in training and development! Helping restaurant teams grow in confidence and capability has been such a rewarding journey. It’s amazing to see that impact translate into smoother operations and incredible guest experiences.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible support and dedication of my team, who inspire me every step of the way. Our team at QSR Automations solves real challenges in the restaurant industry through innovative technology. I’m passionate about bridging the gap between operations and modern solutions, and it’s rewarding to make a difference every day!
How does receiving this award make you feel?
Receiving this award fills me with immense pride and gratitude. It’s not just a personal achievement—it’s a testament to the incredible teams and individuals I’ve had the privilege to work alongside.
The restaurant industry thrives on collaboration, and I’m deeply thankful for the mentors, colleagues, and partners who’ve inspired and supported me. This recognition fuels my passion for driving innovation and reminds me of the power of teamwork, leadership, and technology to make a real difference in creating successful, sustainable restaurants.
It’s truly an honor!
We couldn’t be more grateful to have Jennifer on our team. Her dedication and passion continue to inspire the whole QSR Automations team and drive meaningful change in the restaurant industry. We are thrilled to celebrate her remarkable achievement as the 2025 Top Women in Restaurant Technology Lifetime Achievement Award winner.
This honor highlights her outstanding contributions, and we are proud to join in recognizing this milestone.
Congratulations, Jennifer! This recognition is so well-deserved!
About the Author
Caitlin Soard is a Content Marketing Strategist with over seven years of marketing experience under her belt. She joined the QSR Automations marketing team in June of 2022 and has been hard at work improving their social media and content ever since. She attended Franklin College where she received a Bachelor of Arts, focusing in Journalism and Public Relations as well as minoring in English. When she’s not lending her social media wizardry to QSR Automations, you can find her playing Dungeons & Dragons or TCGs at her local card shop, enjoying live local music, or spending time with her cat and two dogs, Ellie, Laney, and Orryn.
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