Named Buckets! LeBron James' First Restaurant Opens April 2nd, Providing Job Opportunities for His hometown

On March 28th Beijing time, Lakers star LeBron James updated his social media, sharing a report from the Food&Wine website. The report was about James opening his first full-service restaurant. Here is the full text of the report—

LeBron James officially steps into a new arena: The Lakers superstar is about to open his first full-service restaurant.

The four-time NBA champion has frequently showcased his culinary preferences over the years—from the viral "Taco Tuesday" (which he attempted to trademark) to his widely known persona as a wine enthusiast. Now, he is channeling this interest into the food industry by launching his first restaurant.

The restaurant is aptly named Buckets (a basketball term for scoring), fitting perfectly for the NBA's all-time scoring leader. (He has made nearly 16,000 career field goals, with a total score exceeding 43,000 points and still adding to the record.) But this venture goes beyond just a playful reference: The restaurant is another initiative by James to support families, children, and community development in his hometown of Akron, Ohio.

The new restaurant is scheduled to open on April 2nd Beijing time at House Three Thirty in his hometown Akron—the name derives from Akron's area code 330. This is a multi-purpose center of the LeBron James Family Foundation, housing a performance venue and a learning space designed like a family living room for students. Both House Three Thirty and Buckets are part of the Foundation's efforts to assist Akron residents.

James's contributions in his hometown are profound and largely centered on education. His "I PROMISE School" enrolls a new class of third graders each year, providing children at risk of falling behind academically with various resources needed for success. From toothpaste, temporary housing to medical services, the program offers students and their families much more than textbooks.

This community spirit extends far beyond the school itself. At House Three Thirty, you'll find many staff members—such as the manager of the retail store—are parents of graduates from the "I PROMISE School." Teachers from the school often participate in other Foundation work, and many program graduates eventually work for the Foundation or its affiliated organizations, creating a tight-knit support system that helps people achieve long-term growth.

James told Food&Wine in an interview: "In many ways, Buckets is a full-circle moment for our Foundation. Our first cohort of 'I PROMISE' kids now have their first full-time jobs here. One of my original 330 Ambassadors is the head chef, another is the assistant general manager. There are parents and kids working together in the building."

Apart from the culinary director Aaron Blank and the head chef, Buckets' kitchen team consists primarily of individuals connected to the "I PROMISE Program," rather than professionally trained chefs. While serving meals, they also receive hands-on training and employment opportunities.

James said: "This is a special place where our families can learn new skills, gain experience, create a better future for themselves and their families, while serving the community and delivering an excellent experience for every guest who walks in. It's a really cool thing, and I'm incredibly proud of it."

Every employee at Buckets, from front-of-house to back-of-house, underwent weeks of basic service training—many learning cooking for the first time. From former teachers to current students, all staff have ties to the "I PROMISE School," and this shared background fosters a family-like atmosphere. The hospitality is warm and welcoming, the soul food-inspired menu is comforting, and the results delivered by this team with almost zero prior restaurant experience are particularly impressive.

Fried chicken is the undisputed star of the restaurant.

Options include bone-in fried chicken, roasted chicken, or chicken tenders, served with coleslaw, fries, and sweet, fluffy mini corn muffins. Chicken dishes go beyond that: The menu also features ten flavors of chicken wings, from Buffalo to Mango Habanero. Those daring can try the hottest option "Dream Crusher," with a warning from the restaurant: approach with caution.

Beyond fried chicken, Buckets offers a wide selection. The smash burger here is exceptional—fitting considering Ohio is rumored to be the birthplace of the hamburger—with crispy-edged patties and various topping choices. The Poblano Promise Burger is a signature, featuring sweet roasted onions, fire-roasted poblano peppers, and a rich cheese sauce.

Starters are all beloved classics: mozzarella sticks, crispy roasted Brussels sprouts, etc. The writer's favorite is undoubtedly the YoPrometo Cheese with crispy crackers. Paired with toasted soda crackers, this pimento cheese spread is tangy, rich, and savory, perfectly meeting Southern expectations for a cheddar cheese dip.

James's first restaurant also features a full bar, allowing guests to enjoy a drink while watching basketball games on multiple large screens inside. The drink list includes wine, cocktails, mocktails, and several Ohio local craft beers, such as seven local drafts like Akron's Hoppin’ Frog Strong Shandy and Cleveland's Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold.

The restaurant ambiance is unpretentious and genuine, blending a sports bar with a local tavern vibe. Creative lighting fixtures made from metal buckets complement retro leather booths, and bicycle wheels hang from the ceiling—paying homage to James's childhood mode of transportation in Akron.

Prices are also very affordable: a customizable salad for two costs $14, a two-piece fried chicken combo is $15. The Foundation hopes residents from the surrounding community can genuinely dine here.

From the decor to the dessert—a recreation of James's favorite chocolate chip skillet cookie with ice cream—this 41-year-old Akron native wants diners to feel that every detail at Buckets tells a story.

James emphasized: "From the moment you walk through the door, you know it's a special experience… I'm excited for people to taste the food, it's absolutely amazing. Most importantly, the service at Buckets is outstanding. My team has created an environment where everyone feels welcome and at home. Buckets is far more than just a restaurant; it's changing lives."

The article also listed Buckets' must-try menu—

YoPrometo Cheese with Crispy Crackers $8.23

Southern-style pimento cheese spread, served with soda crackers

Fried Pickle Champion Slice $10.23

Sweet and spicy fried pickles, served with dill sour cream dipping sauce

Poblano Promise Burger $16.23

Smash burger with roasted onions, fire-roasted poblano peppers, and cheese sauce

Mini Burger Trio $16.23

Italian deli meat slices, provolone, olive tapenade, and tangy cabbage

Two-Piece Fried Chicken Combo $15.23

Fried chicken breast + thigh, served with mini corn muffin, fries, coleslaw, pickles, and special sauce

Akron Kid's Cookie $9.23

Hot skillet cookie, served with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce