Local Owner-Operator Tyler McCain’s commitment to mentorship helps a student transition from a temporary job to a leadership career.
When Petronella “Petra” Mabara first applied for a job at Chick-fil-A Livermore Ave and 580, she viewed it as a temporary stop. A college student at Las Positas College, she simply needed a role close to school. “I thought I would only be here for a short time,” Petra recalls. “I was actually in nursing school at the time, and while I still have a heart for nursing, I’ve discovered that I truly love the work and the people here even more.”
As a single mother, Petra initially worried about how she would manage the demands of work and home. “I’m a single mom. I have a daughter,” she shares. “I don’t think I’ll be able to pull it off.” However, she quickly found that her local restaurant was a place that valued her as an individual. “I love my operator, Tyler. He would work with my schedule just to help me grow.”
Petra’s journey from an entry-level Team Member to a Front-of-House Director was built on a foundation of consistency and initiative. From her first day when the restaurant opened, she demonstrated a strong work ethic and a high level of coachability, quickly earning the trust of her leadership team. By taking ownership of small tasks and showing a constant willingness to learn, she proved that a restaurant role could be much more than a temporary position — it could be a starting point for significant professional advancement.
This growth was fostered by a culture of intentional support and development. Local
Owner-Operator Tyler McCain and his leadership team invested in Petra’s potential, providing the mentorship and training necessary to create a clear pathway for her to rise.
When Petra first started, Tyler noted she may not have realized the extent of the professional path ahead of her. “When Petra started with me, I don’t think that she knew what Chick-fil-A was or what the opportunities were,” Tyler says.
For Tyler, providing these pathways is a core part of his mission as an Operator. “We do provide an opportunity for individuals to grow in their leadership that gives them life skills and leadership skills,” Tyler explains. “It’s probably my favorite part of my job to see leaders develop and get closer to their goals. We’re super grateful for her and the leadership that she provides. She’s on a team of my top three leaders leading the restaurant every day.”
As Petra transitioned into leadership, her focus shifted from executing daily tasks to leading people and influencing the restaurant’s culture. Now serving as the Front-of-House Director, she takes pride in the connections she builds with both her team and the community. “It’s not just about chicken, it’s about the people that come in,” Petra says. “We have built relationships with some of our regulars… it’s about me connecting with other people and growing.” The impact of this environment has extended beyond Petra’s professional skills, touching her personal growth as well. “It made me a better person,” she reflects. “They actually care about me. I’ll always be grateful.”
“It’s not just about chicken… It’s about me connecting with other people and growing.”
– Petra Mabara
Petra’s story reinforces a broader message: that opportunity is possible in everyday workplaces when consistency is met with mentorship. She now sees this impact on the many high school students she leads, watching them “come out of their shell” as they learn the value of hospitality and hard work. Her experience shows that leadership isn’t reserved for a select few but can be developed through dedication and a supportive environment.
Reflecting on her four-year transformation, Petra is grateful for the path she discovered. “I never thought for a second I could actually be a director,” she says. “But working here with the support from the team and my Operator, I feel like that was the greatest thing.”
Tyler remains confident that this is only the beginning for her.
