Since first opening its doors on Sept. 21, 2023, The Rusty Bucket Taphouse has made significant strides in its first year of business. Located in the former Cedar Shack location, the taphouse has grown under new ownership, which transitioned on July 15, when a former private investor took full control of the operation.
“The owner now has been involved from the very beginning,” head chef Shannon Gabel said. “There’s more freedom as staff. If there’s anything we need, Steve’s on it. He’s more apt to supporting us with making things happen. If we have ideas for community events or fundraisers or stuff, he’s all about it. We really want the community involved with us here.”
Gabel, who has 15 years of experience in the food industry, started her career at Pizza Hut at 19 and later worked at GameTime in Lebanon. She took on a managerial role at McMenamins in Corvallis, where she worked for more than six years. When her longtime friend Michelle purchased The Rusty Bucket property, Gabel was asked to come on board as chef.
“I just quit my job. I’m in,” Gabel recalled.
The Rusty Bucket’s first year was marked by both growth and learning.
“We as a team, as a crew, have grown a lot,” Gabel said. “We have a really positive atmosphere here; I feel that’s been reflective in our overall sales too.”
The taphouse’s menu has quickly become a local favorite, with the bacon cheeseburger being one of the most popular items along with their broasted chicken being another highly requested dish.
Gabel noted that the food service industry can be challenging, but community support has been key to The Rusty Bucket’s success.
“It’s a very brutal beast. I think a lot of people underestimate how impactful the community is with how our business runs,” she said.
Gabel, who grew up in Sweet Home and remembers visiting the Cedar Shack as a kid, is committed to bringing a family-friendly atmosphere to The Rusty Bucket. “[It’s] a family atmosphere, but if you want to cut loose and have a couple drinks, you can,” she added.
To celebrate its first anniversary, The Rusty Bucket recently hosted a cornhole tournament with six teams competing. The event, paired with music by Morgan Sands, was a hit with customers.
“Morgan Sands was a blast. I look forward to doing something more like that more often,” assistant manager Amanda Cowdrey said. “I think they had fun. I think it was a lot of good time.”
Looking to the future, The Rusty Bucket plans to continue its community involvement by hosting more events and offering the taphouse as a rental space for private parties, fundraisers, and gatherings. Gabel and the team aim to create a welcoming hangout spot for all ages while ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for families.