In the food retail industry, we succeed by continually improving and prioritizing quality. At Chooks-To-Go, these ideas guide everything we do. Leaders like Mark Villanueva and John Allen De Torres have each grown in their own way, helping us do better and stay true to our standards.
We spoke with Mark and John about how their recent development efforts are directly improving our business and fueling their professional growth.
Mark Villanueva: The Guardian of Food Safety
Mark Villanueva, Regional Head for Chooks Dine In, prioritizes customer health and safety. After more than three years with Chooks, he attended a recent training with ServSafe,a food safety certification program by the National Restaurant Association in the United States. The training teaches foodservice workers and managers how to safely handle and prepare food to prevent illnesses and ensure customer safety which renewed Mark’s commitment to high standards. Safe food handling is essential for our dine-in team.
“Even though I was already ServSafe certified from my previous job, it was still a ‘wow’ factor to be reminded of how important food safety is to our daily operations,” Mark shared.
He put his new knowledge to use right away. “After ServSafe, I shared what I learned with the team right away.” Acting quickly helps keep our food safety standards high and gives Mark trust in his team. As Mark says, “Continuous learning is the foundation of growth and empowers us to improve.” His journey is a clear example of professional growth in action.
John Allen De Torres: The Architect of Integrity
While Mark focused on technical skills, John Allen De Torres, Operations Systems Supervisor for Chooks-To-Go, took a different route. For nine years, John has worked on many projects, from making improvements to upgrading systems. His latest achievement shows his commitment to learning, as evidenced by his Juris Doctor degree from Batangas State University.
Legal training may seem unrelated to systems, but John found a strong connection. Reviewing operations contracts revealed the impact of legal principles on corporate processes. “Corporate systems are guided by legal concepts,” he said. “We must always improve systems ethically and ‘Lead with Integrity,’ a core value.”
By focusing on self-improvement, John has built his skills and confidence. His academic pursuit reflects the company’s support of professional growth, showing how diverse knowledge can strengthen operational excellence.
A Shared Commitment to Growth
Mark and John both show how Bounty invests in its people. Their stories—one through food safety training, the other through earning a law degree—prove that everyone’s growth journey is unique, but it helps us all.
As Mark said, this is a “motivational program for the employees.” John added, “Training and development show the company values employees and invests in their future. This can boost engagement and loyalty.”
By supporting various paths to growth, Bounty keeps teams skilled, engaged, and ready for anything. We’re proud of Mark and John and look forward to what they’ll do next at Chooks-To-Go.
More Than a Job: A Culture of Empowerment
Mark and John’s stories are a testament to Bounty’s belief in its people. By providing opportunities for diverse professional growth, we are not just investing in our employees; we are strengthening the very fabric of our company. Their journeys remind us that learning is a continuous process, and that every new skill and experience—from a food safety certification to a law degree—makes us more capable, resilient, and ready to lead the future of the food industry.
