About
About The Bucket
Rusty Bucket is a casual neighborhood tavern serving the highest quality food and beverage in a “come as you are” setting. Scratch kitchens, fresh cocktails, and the perfect pour are our craft. Our associates are welcoming, and our hospitality naturally makes us the local hub where friends and family frequently gather to share in a good time.
Rusty Bucket started as an idea between our founder Gary Callicoat and his two closest friends gathered around a bar. It was a vision of genuine hospitality; friendly service in a relaxed setting where everyone is welcomed and appreciated. What started as one neighborhood tavern in 2002 in Dublin, OH, became a popular, sought-after addition in neighboring communities that have grown to 19 locations today.
To this day, we believe that every neighborhood deserves that go-to gathering place where craveable favorites, good conversations, and camaraderie are shared amongst friends and family.
Our Founder
Our founder, Gary Callicoat, is a guy who doesn’t take himself too seriously—but when it comes to food, he’s about as serious as it gets.
“We make our menu from scratch because food just tastes better that way.” Callicoat explains. “Cooking is like a dark alley. Bad things happen when you take shortcuts.”
Callicoat began his restaurant career as a dishwasher at age 15, eventually ascending to operational roles within Cameron Mitchell Restaurants and others. While serving as general manager of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants’ Martini Modern Italian in downtown Columbus, the concept for “Rusty Bucket” was born. It’d be a tavern—with a twist. Serving up fresh, American favorites and a huge beer selection, in an inspired, pub-like atmosphere.
Under Mitchell’s guidance, Gary opened the first Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern in the Columbus suburb of Dublin, Ohio in 2002. Since then, The Bucket has grown from a single restaurant to 19 locations in four states—and counting. And whether you come in to watch the game, host a business event in one of our private rooms, or bring the whole family for weekend brunch, The Bucket is your go-to gathering place.
Gary says “The Bucket is a place built on friendship, where people can meet up, grab a bite and a drink, and share stories. Everybody’s welcome here, and some even say we are a grown-up place to bring the kids.”
Beyond serving great food and drinks, The Bucket is committed to supporting the communities it does business in through fundraising initiatives and charitable giving, partnering with organizations like local schools, the Salvation Army, Canines for Companions, and Toys for Tots.
According to Gary, “Serving great food and giving back. That’s what the Bucket Life is all about.”
So stop in and see us, and experience The Bucket Life for yourself. We always have a seat for you.