05/29/2026
Come meet Chef Mark Pantoja!
He was born in Lexington, Kentucky, and raised in Mexico, where his passion for cooking began at an early age in his father’s restaurant. Immersed in the kitchen from childhood, he developed a deep respect for discipline, technique, and the craft of cooking, values that shaped his culinary foundation. Upon returning to Mexico, Chef Pantoja continued honing his skills in another of his father’s restaurants for more than a decade, gaining hands-on experience and a strong work ethic that continues to define his career.
In 2017, driven by the responsibility of starting a family, Chef Pantoja returned to the United States while his wife was pregnant with their first daughter, determined to create a better future.
He joined The Granola Bar, where his leadership and talent quickly earned him a promotion to Kitchen Manager.
In 2019, he continued his professional growth at The Bristal Assisted Living, where he currently serves as Assistant Food Service Director in Armonk, New York.
With over nine years of professional culinary experience, Chef Pantoja brings a diverse, multicultural perspective to his cooking. His style emphasizes clean flavors, balance, and refined presentation, and he is recognized for his ability to deliver both high-volume service and elevated dining experiences with consistency, creativity, and strong leadership. His skills have been recognized in culinary competitions, including back-to-back People’s Choice awards.
Above all, Chef Pantoja cooks with purpose. His journey, from working alongside his father to competing among top chefs, reflects resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to growth. Every dish he creates honors his family, pays tribute to his father’s legacy, and carries the discipline and respect that first inspired his love for the kitchen.
The Bristal Assisted Living Alzheimer's Association Jennifer Martire Baukol
