Popular South Bend restaurant to reopen as the Bucket Shack
A popular South Bend restaurant is making a comeback!
The former Oaken Bucket, to be called the Bucket Shack, plans to bring a fun, family atmosphere to South Bend in a familiar place.
The new owners, who also operate Elkhart's Food Shack, chose to purchase the building after seeing it empty, with big plans to bring it back to life.
“You know, the neighborhood loves this place. You know, good burgers, good food, you know, good drinks. Just want to get this place back to life and we got the want to do it,” said Steve Stidham, Bucket Shack Co-Owner.
During the last five years, the restaurant building has undergone three name changes.
It was formerly known as Oaken Bucket, then the Bucket, and now the Bucket Shack.
The new owners don't want to forget its popular past.
“And bringing it back, so the people that miss it have a place to come back to,” said Amy Stidham, Bucket Shack Co-Owner.
The Bucket Shack will look very different from its sister restaurant, the Food Shack, providing a sit-down family experience.
“Here, we're going to be more kind of a rush run, family atmosphere, you know, have a little bar, it's completely different than the food shack, different ventures, just be more of a dining menu here,” said Steve.
Currently work is being done in preparation for opening day.
That includes tasks such as painting, cleaning, picking up brush and debris, and changing out some of the decor.
“I think we'll take down some of the tiki stuff, it's a little over tiki, but it'll definitely be some of the fun stuff. We'll still be up and then we'll put our own little fun stuff in it also,” said Amy.
The Bucket Shack is also working on finalizing their menu.
On social media they have been getting many requests for "Oaken Bucket" favorites.
“We're going to have steaks, burgers, good, custom food. It's going to be tasty, yummy,” said Steve.
And while there is not an official date for the restaurant opening, owners are optimistic it will be soon.
“We're going to say probably about a month is going to be something reasonable and we'll see if we can do it sooner,” said Steve.
The Bucket Shack is currently hiring.
